AMRITSAR: Dedicated to 550th birth centenary `Parkash Purab' of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, a pictorial-artistic book `Guru Nanak Darshan’, on the life and philosophy of the founder of Sikhism, was today released at historic Khalsa College, here. The book contains paintings by the renowned artists, apart from the historic accounts relating Guru’s life and teachings.
Head Granthi, Harmandar Sahib, Giani Jagtar Singh who presided over the releasing ceremony said this is most vital time to propagate the philosophy of Guru Nanak who stood for justice, equality and fraternity. ``Such works and occasions become a source of inspiration to connect the people with the life and philosophy of Guru Sahib”, said he.
The book, published by Khalsa College Charitable Society (KCCS), is an accomplished task which was conceived by the management last year. " It took a lot of precision, dedication and devotion to bring out such an account on Guru Sahib’s life”, said KCCS President Satyajit Singh Majithia. He said with the benevolent blessings of Guru, it is always an endevour of the Society to propagate and disseminate Guru’s teachings through His hymns.
"The Society managing 20 educational institutions has been celebrating birth anniversaries of all Gurus with devotion and the year 2019 was dedicated to 550th anniversary which witnessed seminars, talks, lectures and workshops on Guru Nanak. A mega Kirtan Darbar was also organized by the Society on at the campus on November 2, 2019”, said KCCS honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, adding that this momentous book captures the life history of Guru Sahib.
He said an immense care had to be taken in order to prepare such a book so as to reflect our deep devotion and respect for Guru Nanak. Khalsa College Principal Dr. Mehal Singh said suggestions of esteemed scholar’s suggestions have been solicited and eminent artists revered by the Sikh community were engaged to create the portraits and paintings for the book. The book contains 63 pictures. Each portrait is a representation of Guru Sahib’s life, work and philosophy. Historical details and great works of Guru Sahib have been illustrated chronologically in these pictures. Each picture seems to be one with various stages of Guru Sahib's life, said he.
The philosophy emanating from the images has been described by the words from the Guru’s hymns also, thus the pictures and information regarding Guru Sahib has been creatively presented and the critics can enhance their understanding through these pictures. To widen the reach of the book’s readership, details have been made available both in Punjabi as well as in English, said Chhina earlier.
The book’s designed an concept is by Dr. Mehal Singh, Dr. Inderjit Singh Gagoani and Dr. AS Chamak while the English translation is accomplished by Dr. GS Walia, DS Rataul and Puneet Kaur. KCCS additional honourary secretary JS Brar, finance secretary Gunbir Singh, other office bearers, Principals of Khalsa institutions, students and staff were present in large number during the ceremony.