AI Generated Summary
- The announcement was made by Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh during the inaugural session of a two-day national conference commemorating the 350th anniversary of the Guru’s martyrdom.
- Martyrdom and Moral Consciousness,” is being hosted at the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Study Centre in collaboration with the Departments of Guru Nanak Studies and Political Science.
- Addressing scholars and delegates, Prof Singh said the initiative aims to bring together all primary Sikh sources in a single digital repository accessible to researchers across the world.
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has unveiled an ambitious plan to create a comprehensive digital archive of literature related to the ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur. The announcement was made by Vice-Chancellor Prof Karamjeet Singh during the inaugural session of a two-day national conference commemorating the 350th anniversary of the Guru’s martyrdom.
Addressing scholars and delegates, Prof Singh said the initiative aims to bring together all primary Sikh sources in a single digital repository accessible to researchers across the world. “Digitisation will not only preserve our heritage but also open new avenues for global academic engagement,” he noted, adding that the teachings of Sikhism continue to instill wisdom, courage, and inner strength in individuals.
The conference, themed “Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Martyrdom and Moral Consciousness,” is being hosted at the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Study Centre in collaboration with the Departments of Guru Nanak Studies and Political Science. Distinguished scholars including Prof Amarjit Singh Grewal, noted Sikh intellectual; Prof Manjit Singh, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib; and Prof Sarbjinder Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Sunny Oberoi Vivek Sadan Futuristic University, addressed the gathering.
Prof Amarjit Singh Grewal reflected on Guru Tegh Bahadur’s universal message of courage and compassion. He highlighted the Guru’s call of “Baari Meet Saman” and described him as a defender of rights for people of all faiths. “His poetic vision is remembered with the same reverence as his supreme sacrifice,” he said.
Former Jathedar Prof Manjit Singh urged scholars to revisit episodes from Sikh literature to deepen understanding of the Guru’s spiritual guidance. Citing messages such as “Harakh Sog Te Rahai Niaro,” he emphasised how Guru Tegh Bahadur encouraged people to approach life with balance and joy.
Prof Sarbjinder Singh spoke on the distinctive theological foundations of martyrdom within Sikhism, noting that Guru Tegh Bahadur’s fearless acceptance of sacrifice stands unparalleled. He encouraged the audience to take pride in Sikh heritage and embody the values taught by the Gurus.
In his concluding remarks, Prof Karamjeet Singh reaffirmed GNDU’s commitment to preserving Sikh scholarship. Along with the digital archive, he announced the forthcoming Amritsar Declaration, which includes compiling all research papers presented during the conference into a published volume. He described these efforts as essential steps toward enriching the understanding of Sikh history for younger generations.
