A compelling journey into the hidden facets of Sikh history in Pakistan unfolded last week at the Punjab Press Club with the launch of “Vissreyaa Virsa: Pakistan vich Sikh Virasat”, the Punjabi translation of Amardeep Singh’s acclaimed book Lost Heritage: The Sikh Legacy in Pakistan. The large-format volume, published by Rethink Books, captivated an audience of historians, scholars, and community leaders eager to rediscover the architectural and cultural treasures of undivided Punjab.
Singapore-based author Amardeep Singh, whose original English edition garnered international praise, described the Punjabi release as an invitation for regional readers to “explore an unseen and significant heritage.” Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Singh maps the landscape of Sikhism’s once-flourishing hubs—majestic gurdwaras, ancient forts, and humble tombs now silent witnesses to a turbulent past.
“This book is not just a compilation of historical facts,” Singh remarked during the ceremony. “It’s a heartfelt effort to revive a cultural and religious heritage that persevered after the tragedy of Partition. From shrines of Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s era to the forgotten memorials of ordinary people, these sites across Pakistan remain deeply woven into our shared history.”
Attendees were treated to rare archival photographs and previously unpublished imagery that bring the narrative to life. Singh’s poignant before-and-after visuals document both the grandeur of these sites in their heyday and their present-day conditions, underscoring the urgent need for preservation.
Dr. Parminder Singh Shonkey, Director of Rethink Books, emphasized the volume’s dual role as historical record and conservation call-to-action. “By charting the current state of these heritage sites,” he told reporters, “the book not only educates but also instills a sense of responsibility. I hope the Punjab Government, the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee, and global Sikh organizations will mobilize to safeguard these treasures.”
“Vissreyaa Virsa” arrives at a critical juncture when debates over cultural restitution and cross-border heritage initiatives are intensifying. For devotees of Sikhism and students of South Asian history alike, the book offers an unprecedented window into monuments long relegated to obscurity. From the imposing fortresses of Attock to the serene precincts of Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Singh’s narrative stitches together a tapestry of faith, artistry, and community.
The ceremony concluded with a call for collaborative conservation efforts. Scholars proposed joint India–Pakistan heritage tours to foster mutual understanding, while cultural activists urged government bodies to designate endangered sites as protected monuments. In the wake of the launch, plans are already underway for exhibitions showcasing Singh’s photographs and for academic symposia exploring the themes raised in the book.
As readers immerse themselves in “Vissreyaa Virsa”, they embark on a poignant exploration of a past that transcends contemporary borders. For a region shaped by centuries of shared traditions, this volume reaffirms that, despite the fissures of history, the roots of Punjab’s diverse communities remain intertwined.
