National Seminar Marks 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
SAS Nagar, November 21: The Postgraduate Department of Punjabi at Shaheed Major Harminderpal Singh Government College organized a national seminar on the theme “The Glory of Religion and Martyrdom: Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji”, dedicated to the 350th anniversary of the martyrdom day of Hind Di Chadar, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. The Principal of the college warmly welcomed the scholars and stated that the life and teachings of Guru Sahib continue to serve as a timeless beacon of enlightenment for humanity.
Padma Shri Harmohinder Singh Bedi, Chancellor of the Central University of Himachal Pradesh, delivered the inaugural address. Dr. Sarbjeet Singh Renuka (Punjab Agricultural University) presented the keynote address, while noted writer and theatre personality Dr. Satish Verma delivered the presidential address.
Dr. Bedi emphasized that national unity and integrity depend on embracing the philosophy of Guru Sahib. He said Guru Ji’s teachings on peace, tolerance and universal brotherhood remain relevant and inspirational for future generations.
In his keynote remarks, Dr. Sarbjeet Singh stated that Guru Sahib’s bani awakens individuals from the slumber of attachment and illusion, inspiring them towards a higher spiritual life. He described Guru Ji’s bani as deeply rooted in renunciation and austerity.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar (Central University of Punjab) shared fact-based insights on Guru Ji’s martyrdom, drawing from historical sources.
Dr. Kuldeep Singh (Kurukshetra University), speaking about Guru Ji’s life, teachings and supreme sacrifice, said that Guru Ji’s martyrdom is unparalleled in world history. He added that Guru Ji’s shaloks guide humanity away from greed and self-interest, showing the path of spirituality.
Seminar convener Dr. Amandeep Kaur said Guru Sahib’s martyrdom laid the foundation for ending tyranny and halted the rise of Mughal religious bigotry. She said this unparalleled sacrifice established the principle of human rights at the global level and infused Sikh literature with new consciousness and direction. The seminar aimed to acquaint younger generations with the rich and blood-soaked history of the Sikh faith.
Prof. Navdeep Singh expressed gratitude to the scholars and delegates, stating that Guru Ji’s sacrifice is supreme and such initiatives by the Punjab Government are highly commendable.
Prof. Ghanshyam Singh and Prof. Jaspal were the special guests on the occasion. Prof. Navdeep, Prof. Saranjeet Singh, Prof. Paraminderpal, Dr. Gurpreet, Prof. Sarbjit Kaur, Dr. Kulwinder Kaur, Prof. Prem Lata, college staff, and a large number of students were also present.
