Desh Bhagat University Hosts National Seminar on “Banda Singh Bahadur: A Saga of Courage and Sacrifice”
Mandi Gobindgarh, 17 October: Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, under its Centre for South Asian Studies and Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, was successfully host a National Seminar on “Banda Singh Bahadur: A Saga of Courage and Sacrifice”. The seminar was an important academic event, and it brought distinguished historians, scholars, and academicians from all over the country into one platform to discuss the life, leadership, and legacy of the great Sikh saint and warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur.
Convened at the Mahapragya and APJ Abdul Kalam seminar Halls, the event saw 39 research papers being presented on the multi-dimensional aspects of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s life ranging from his military tactics and spiritual evolution to his administration and final sacrifice.
The keynote lecture was given by Pro. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri, Executive Vice Chairman, Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy and former Vice Chancellor, Central University of Himachal Pradesh. He spoke about three grand phases in the life of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, calling for attention to the least discussed middle phase and calling for strenuous scholarly effort based on Persian sources for corrective historical reconstruction.
Dr. Shiv Shankar Pahwa, National President of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Sikh Sampradaye (Bharat), emphasized the multi-dimensional nature of Banda Singh Bahadur, pondering over his spiritual transformation after being introduced to Guru Gobind Singh. He asked a thought-evoking question on whether their encounter was preordained or spiritually predetermined.
Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academics) Professor Amarjit Singh pointed out that Guru Gobind Singh Ji had given Banda Singh Bahadur complete symbols of sovereignty like the flag, nagara, arrow, and army, a gesture which confirmed his rightful leadership and mission.
In the valedictory speech, Vice Chancellor of Sant Baba Bhag Singh University Professor Dharmjit Singh called upon researchers to conduct comparative research on Persian and Gurmukhi sources in order to attain comprehensive and balanced historical studies.
The seminar featured four concurrent technical sessions, presided over by outstanding scholars and delivered by lead lectures from Professor Jaspal Kaur, Professor S.S. Sohal, and Professor Daljit Singh, respectively, and followed by rich scholarly presentations and discussion. Professor Balwinder Kaur Bhatti, Dr. Dharmvir, and Dr. Suman Siwach also made notable contributions and presented their views on different themes from the life and influence of Banda Singh Bahadur.
The seminar began with a befitting grand inaugural session comprising traditional lamp lighting, flower welcome, DBU anthem, and formal opening of the theme of the seminar by Professor Ram Singh Gurna, Director of the Seminar. The dignitaries who were present comprised Hon’ble Chancellor Dr. Zora Singh, Pro-Chancellor Dr. Tajinder Kaur, Vice Chancellor Dr Harsh Sadawarti, Pro-Vice Chancellor Professor Amarjit Singh, Dr. Renu Sharma, and senior faculty members.
During the valedictory session, the commitments of the university to facilitate intensive research on national heroes such as Baba Banda Singh Bahadur were renewed by Dr. Zora Singh and Dr. Tajinder Kaur. S. Lakhwinderpal Singh Grewal, Chairman of the Savtantrta Senani Raja Ajit Singh Ladwa Memorial Trust, was also in attendance and contributed his thoughts.
Professor Ram Singh Gurna delivered the seminar report of prominent findings, followed by Dr. Dharminder Singh, who brought the proceedings to a close with a vote of thanks. The seminar was brought to a close with the National Anthem, symbolizing the successful completion of an intellectually enriching historically important event.