IKGPTU committed for research and academic activities on teachings of all Sikh Guru: Prof (Dr) Ajay Kumar Sharma

Jalandhar/Kapurthala: By taking an initiative to motivate research students of various Universities of Punjab & neighboring states, I.K.Gujral Punjab Technical University (IKG PTU) conducted one day webinar on the Bani & teachings of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. It was a joint venture of The Guru Nanak Dev Ji Chair IKGPTU and the Department of Youth Affairs at IKGPTU. The Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was also the subject for deliberations & references in this webinar. Dr. Jagbir Singh, Chancellor Central University Punjab and Dr. Harmohinder Singh Bedi Chancellor Central University, Himachal Pradesh and former Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar Prof. (Dr.) S. P. Singh Ji also joined as expert speakers.

In the inaugural session, Vice Chancellor IKGPTU Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Kumar Sharma said that with the establishment of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Chair at IKGPTU, the University is committed to conduct research and academic activities on the Bani, life and teachings of all respected Gurus. He said that the Bani and martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji is relevant and meaningful even in the present age. He said that we need to be inspired and guided by the life of Guru Sahib Ji.

In this webinar the Chancellor of Central University Punjab Dr. Jagbir Singh said that the martyrdom of the Ninth Guru paved the way for a new and meaningful interpretation of religion. He said that the new interpretation was different from the colonial interpretation. Similarly, he said that in the Bani of Guru Sahib the discourse of perdition and death is not in a negative sense but it is a reality which needs to be gladly accepted. He also said that it was not enough to just pay homage to Gurmat Gyaan but to put it into practice. He said that the Bani and martyrdom of Guru Sahib can be properly considered and understood only in this perspective. 

The Chancellor of Central University Himachal Pradesh, Dr. Harmohinder Singh Bedi was the second expert speaker in this webinar. Referring to Guru Sahib's visits to 176 places to save the world, he said that these visits are still relevant today. He said that the martyrdom of the Ninth Patshah has changed the cultural landscape not only in India but in the whole of Asia. He asked to reconsider the original Braj sources related to the life of Guru Sahib and make them a subject of research as they are the sources with which we can get in touch with many aspects of Sri Guru Sahib's life and martyrdom.

Former Vice Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev University Prof. (Dr.) S. P. Singh shared factual details related to Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's sacrifice for the defense of India to be considered in the context of the Gurmat tradition as whole. In his presidential address, Dr. S.P. Singh said that the balance of Gurmat tradition was in the context of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji's refusal to accept Janju only from outside and the need to wear it internally and then in the context of Guru Tegh Bahadur's martyrdom for the protection of Janju. He also congratulated the Vice Chancellor IKGPTU for establishing the Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji Chair at University.

University Registrar Er Sandeep Kumar Kazal congratulated the organizing team for this great successful event. The welcome note of this webinar was read by Dean Student Welfare IKGPTU Dr. Neelkanth Grover. Dr.R.P.S Joint Registrar (Students welfare IKGPTU) introduced all dignitaries & participants about the future plans of the University towards the research on Guru Sahebaan's teachings. The role of moderator in this webinar was played by Sri Guru Nanak Dev Chair Teacher Incharge Dr. Sarabjit Singh Mann. The webinar was attended by the faculty, officers, staff and students of the university through an online medium.