AMRITSAR: In a historic and unprecedented step, Guru Nanak Dev University has formally proposed to the United Nations to designate October 24 (UN Foundation Day) as the “Day of Universal Conscience” in honour of the universal ethical legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru and the world’s most revered defender of freedom of conscience.
The proposal was officially conveyed through a detailed letter signed by Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University and addressed to His Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Historic Academic Endorsement: The Amritsar Declaration Attached for UN Review
The proposal is backed by the Amritsar Declaration on Universal Conscience, unanimously adopted during the National Seminar on the Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which was held at Guru Nanak Dev University during November 11–12, 2025. As many as 70 eminent scholars deliberated and endorsed the declaration, which was formally read and presented by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh.
The declaration—enclosed with the proposal—presents Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message of fearless compassion, articulated in his timeless verse:“To cause fear to none and to accept fear from none.”
Authorized Envoy to Personally Deliver the Proposal at UN Headquarters
To ensure the proposal reaches the UN Secretary-General directly, the Guru Nanak Dev University has authorized S. Jaspreet Singh, Attorney at Law (USA) and Professor of Eminence at the University, to personally submit the documents at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. This step marks a significant milestone—possibly the first time an Indian university has deputed an official representative to place such a moral-ethical proposal before the United Nations.