PATIALA: Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University, Patiala organised a One-day National Webinar today, to commemorate the 400th Birth Anniversary (Prakash Purab) of Hind Di Chadar, Sri Guru Teg Bahadur Ji.
The webinar was inaugurated with the kind words of Dr.Nirmal Jaura, Director, Youth Welfare, Panjab University, Chandigarh. Thereafter, quoting generously from Shri Guru Granth Sahib ji, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh welcomed the chief guest Dr.Balkar Singh, Director, World Punjabi Centre, Punajbi University, Patiala, Guest of Honour, Dr. Sarabjinder Singh, Head, Shri Guru Granth Sahib Study, Punjabi University, Patiala, Dr.Amarjeet Singh Grewal, Eminent Writer and Critic, Dr.Ashwani Bhalla, Professor, S.C.D. Government College, Ludhiana. Dr.Karamjeet also informed about the significant decision of introducing a course on ‘the Teachings of Sikh Gurus’ as a compulsory one across all the degree programmes to be offered from the upcoming session in July. The decision has been made unanimously by all the members of the faculty after taking approval from the academic council.
Congratulating the entire crew of the university, Dr.Ashwani Bhalla underscored the positive change that the university has succeeded in bringing in the spiritual aura of the state since the day one of its formal foundation.
Prof. (Dr.) Sarabjinder Singh, an erudite scholar made a dedicated effort to highlight the life-events of Guru TeghBahadurji by paying glorious tributes to the supreme sacrifice made by the ‘Shiromani Martyr’ for the protection of freedom to chose and practice one’s own faith and religion. He said how important it has become to accept his message in the prevailing times of intolerance for the benefit of all. He implored the people to get engaged in activities needed in the current scenario to uphold the humanistic values and rights of all mankind, ensuring equal freedom and opportunities to people without any bias against caste, creed, gender and religion.
Dr. Amarjeet Singh Grewal, the Keynote Speaker emphasised the importance to learn and instil in our lives the message that Guru TegBahadurji has given with his divine sacrifice. Highlighting the challenges faced by humanity in the present circumstances, he said that the webinars of these kind will motivate the younger generation to study deeply the golden chapters of Sikh history which have the power to inspire the spirit of valour and spiritualism in one’s heart and soul as preached by the Sikh Gurus.
Expressing his remorse for having forgotten the values, basic tenets and ethos of our own religion and culture, Dr.Balkar Singh, the Chief guest highlighted the role of an academician in formulating and disseminating the knowledge to the people. He appreciated the endeveaours being made by Punjab State Open University in this direction. He also brought to light the discussions being made by Punjabi Diaspora about this newly established institution of higher learning and gave wishes to Dr.Karamjeet to live up to the expectations of the people.
The webinar was coordinated by Dr.Dharam Singh, Registrar of the university and attended by more than 50 participants across the country.