Seminar discusses hermeneutics of Guru Nanak Bani

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Tribune News Service

Amritsar, November 27

A two-day national seminar on “Hermeneutics of Guru Nanak Bani: Different Perspectives” was organised by the Department of Guru Nanak Studies on the campus of Guru Nanak Dev University.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ajaib Singh Brar, inaugurated the seminar. He stressed on the limits of scientific research and the need to interpretGurbaniin Punjabi and other languages so that it could reach various corners of the world. Prof Brar also honoured guests on the occasion.

Dr Jaswant Singh Neki, professor of eminence, Punjabi University, Patiala, was the guest of honour. Prof Jodh Singh, editor-in-chief, Encyclopaedia of Sikhism, Punjabi University, presided over the seminar.

Dr Neki said, “To understand and interpretGurbani, there is need to decode metaphors and symbols of Gurbani, which are in multilayered text. Different concepts ofGurbani have many dimensions, which can only be understood by mystic experiences and through internal knowledge of one’s self.”

Prof Surjit Kaur Chahal, head, Department of Philosophy, Pune University, delivered the keynote address. “Guru Granth Sahib is a special text, which contains Guru’s word. Hence, it does not require regular rules of interpretation of any text. The text of Guru Granth Sahib has to be understood and interpreted as organic whole. Different lines andshabads should not be interpreted independently”, said Prof Chahal.

Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, former Jathedar of Akal Takht, also participated in the inaugural session. Prof Shashi Bala, head of the Department of Guru Nanak Studies, welcomed the guests and also highlighted the objectives of the seminar and achievements of the department. Dr Manvinder Singh presented a vote of thanks.

Dr Raminderjit Kaur, Dr Gulzar Singh Kang, Dr Paramjit Singh Sidhu and Dr Gurmail Singh presented their research papers in the first academic session.