Webinar dwells on scholar Piara Singh Padam’s contribution to Sikh history

Patiala, August 6

During an international webinar organised to mark the birth centenary of Piara Singh Padam, a Sikh scholar, experts discussed his contribution to Sikh history and Punjabi language and literature at Punjabi University here today.

Prof JS Grewal, former Vice-Chancellor, GNDU, Amritsar, Prof Gurinder Singh Mann, former Professor at University of California, Dr Surjit Patar and others participated in the webinar. Prof Grewal discussed the relevance of Padam’s interpretation of the ‘Zafarnama’ (Guru Gobind Singh’s letter to Aurangzeb).

Prof Louis E Fenech contextualised Padam’s ‘Guru Gobind Singh de Darbari Ratan’. He explained its influence on the way Padam understood Guru’s Darbar, its literary products and the tenth Sikh Master’s mission.

Prof Surjit Patar discussed Padam’s persona and his work. Dr Harinder Kaur, daughter of Piara Singh Padam, shared her personal reminiscences about her father’s zeal for work. Punjabi University Vice-Chancellor (VC) Prof Arvind said, “History, language and literature, which make man human are important.” Expressing concern over connecting next generation with the history he said there was a need to preserve zeal and commitment, which Piara Singh Padam showed.—TNS