AMRITSAR: A two-day international conference dedicated to the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji was inaugurated today at the Conference Hall, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), by the Centre for Sri Guru Granth Sahib Studies.
The event, focusing on themes related to the Guru's martyrdom, will continue till November 12. It assumes added significance amid the state-wide "Martyrdom Remembrance Month" declared by the Punjab government to honour the ninth Sikh Guru's supreme sacrifice for religious freedom and human dignity.
The inaugural session was graced by chief guest Prof Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, GNDU; keynote speaker Prof Sarbjinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Sunny Obrai Vivekanand University, Anandpur Sahib; and special invitees including Sant Baba Sewa Singh Ji, Khadur Sahib, and Sant Baba Jodh Singh Ji, Nirmal Ashram, Rishikesh.
In his opening remarks, Prof Amar Singh, Director of the Centre, emphasised that Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, revered as the "ninth Nanak, " transcends regional labels like "Hind Di Chadar" (Shield of Hindustan). "Guru Nanak is the supreme divine embodiment, the protector of the entire creation. Limiting the Guru to any single region or title diminishes his universal role, " he said, urging participants to view the martyrdom as a shield for all humanity, not confined to one faith or geography.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof Sarbjinder Singh contextualised the martyrdom through Sikh scriptures and comparative references from eight world religious texts. He clarified that religions are not "big or small" but distinct in their uniqueness, distinguishing "martyrdom" (a voluntary stand for truth, including others' rights) from "sacrifice" (often compelled). "In Sikhism, martyrdom extends beyond personal truth—it demands laying down one's life for the truth of others, " he noted.
Prof Singh also delineated concepts like information, knowledge and wisdom, citing sources to define them, and differentiated terms such as "religious scripture, " "text" and "holy book." Drawing on contemporary accounts (roznamchas), he recounted historical facts surrounding Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's and Guru Arjan Dev Ji's martyrdoms. Concluding, he advised universities, addressing GNDU's Vice-Chancellor, to prioritise research over mere teaching for deeper scholarly impact.
Sant Baba Sewa Singh Ji blessed the gathering and commended the Centre's ongoing work in Sikh studies. In the presence of luminaries, the Centre released two publications: Prachin Biran Di Parkarma (Part II) on ancient handwritten birch manuscripts, and Bachittar Natak: An English Adaptation of His Stories (Vol. III). Prof Amar Singh provided a brief overview, highlighting the Centre's 14-year legacy of over 25 research projects.
Prof Karamjeet Singh outlined GNDU's series of seminars and conferences marking the 350th anniversary, from November 10 to 25, including digitisation efforts for the Guru's shabads and raags with QR code access. He praised the Centre's contributions and expressed commitment to a collaborative project digitising all Sikh sources. The session was compeered by Dr Bharatbir Kaur, Head, Guru Nanak Studies Department, who also extended thanks to attendees.
The first academic session, chaired by Prof Hamid Ulla Mirazi, Central University of Kashmir, featured papers by Dr Hanwant Singh (PTC, Srimarin) as special guest, alongside Dr Jagmohan Singh (Kolkata), Sardar Manmohan Singh Gill (retd IPS), Dr Dharam Singh (former Head, Punjabi Studies), Dr Sulakhan Singh (former Head, History Department), and Dr Muhabbat Singh (Guru Nanak Studies). Topics delved into facets of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's life and legacy.
The conference aligns with nationwide commemorations, including Punjab's month-long initiatives with Kirtans, Seva Camps and cultural programmes, underscoring the Guru's timeless message of interfaith harmony.
Caption: Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh and other scholars at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day conference on Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's 350th martyrdom anniversary.