AMRITSAR: A one-day National Seminar on Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding was hosted by Guru Nanak Dev University here today in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan auditorium of the University. This Seminar was organized by Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib of the University with the collaboration of Punjab government was Dedicated to the 550th Birth celebration of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.
Prof. Sarabjot Singh Behal, Dean Academics Affairs presided over the inaugural session. Dr. Jasbir Singh Sabar, eminent Sikh scholar delivered the Inaugural remarks and Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian, another eminent Sikh scholar delivered the keynote address. Prof. Amarjit Singh, Director of the Centre welcomed the chief guests and others. He also introduced the theme of the Seminar.
Prof. Jasbir Singh Sabar, in his Key note address congrats the Centre and the Punjab government for choosing such an important theme for seminar, which is the need of hour. By giving the example of Dr. Manmohan Singh that in his first Press conference as Prime Minister of India, he said that Guru Nanak’s message‘Jab Lag Dhuneea Reheeai Nanak Kich Suneeai Kich Kaheeai’ is the solution not the war. He further said that present time is focused on " I and egoism" and without understanding Guru Nanak’s, this message problems cannot be solved.
While delivering the keynote address, Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian said that what Guru Nanak toughts, he himself lived inaccordance throughout all his Ten bodies (Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh). So as the Sikhs of Guru Nanak, it is our duty to live under the guidance of Guru. He also imphasised on "one nation one language, " he also emphasized that there are five languages in Guru Granth Sahib and respecting each language is essential for good society, where people belonging to different religions, regions, languages, culture, could live together with respect and harmony.
Prof. Behal, in his presidential remark appreciated the message of Guru Nanak which gives importance to interfaith- dialogue, he said in the present time monologue replacing the dialogue, which is harmful. For better understanding we should also read other scriptures with open mindedness.
Prof. Sarabjot Singh Behal and Prof. Amarjit Singh honoured Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian and Prof. Jasbir Singh Sabar with memento and shawls on behalf of the university.
In the first academic session Prof. Gurmeet Singh Sidhu, Punjabi University Patiala, Prof. Amarjit Singh Narang, Indira Gandhi Open University, Delhi and Prof. Hamidullah Marazi, Central University of Kashmir, Srinagar presented their papers and the session was presided by Dr. Rajinder Kaur Rohi, Punjabi University Patiala.
In the second academic session Dr. Gurmail Singh, Dr. Surjit Singh Bhatti, Dr. Balwinder Kaur Bhatti, Dr. Kulwinder Singh Bajwa, Dr. Daljit Singh, Prof. Rai Jasbir Singh presented their papers and the session was presided by Prof. Amarjit Singh Narang from Open University Delhi.