Punjab News: Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University Organises Two-Day International Seminar on “1984 in Sikh Memory”
Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib organised a two-day international seminar on the theme “1984 in Sikh Memory.”
Sharing details about the seminar, Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Prit Pal Singh stated that the primary objective of the seminar was to academically examine how the events of June and November 1984 have been remembered and represented in literature, philosophy, filmmaking, and historiography. He remarked that these events deeply impacted every aspect of Sikh religious, social, economic, and political life, and assessing their long-term impact remains the responsibility of the academic community.
On this occasion, he also launched a special mobile application dedicated to the life, teachings, and philosophy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji. Developed by the University, the app aims to disseminate the legacy, historical contributions, and spiritual teachings of the Ninth Guru among the younger generation and the global Sikh community through modern technology.
The Chief Guest of the seminar, Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, Jathedar Sri Akal Takht Sahib, said that 1984 remains one of the most significant and distinct phases in Sikh history, where pain and self-respect coexist. He observed that the events of 1984 rekindled within the Sikh community the spirit of sacrifice for faith and the courage to stand firmly for truth.
Singh Sahib appreciated the University for organising an international seminar on such an important subject and stressed the need for continued research and publication in this area.
On the occasion, Prof. (Dr.) Sukhwinder Singh Billing compared the events of 1984 with the eighteenth-century Sikh holocausts and encouraged the continuation of academic seminars on the subject. During the inaugural address, Prof. Harpal Singh Pannu shared his personal experiences related to 1984.
Distinguished speakers including Prof. Swaraj Raj, Prof. Harjinder Singh Walia, and Prof. Gurnam Kaur deliberated upon various dimensions of 1984.
During the seminar, the University also dedicated to the Sangat the book titled Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Gurmukhi Srot, edited by Harpreet Singh Naaz, Joginder Singh, and Aman Singh.
The guests and participants were welcomed by Dr. Hardev Singh, Dean Faculty, Department of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Religious Studies, while the vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Ramandeep Kaur, Head, Department of Political Science.
Faculty members, non-teaching staff, and students from various departments of the University participated in the seminar in large numbers.