Sri Fatehgarh Sahib/27 March:
(Ravinder Singh Dhindsa)
A two-day dialogue symposium "Samwad" organised by Indian Knowledge Cell was inaugurated today at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib. Dedicated to the spirit of Holla Mohalla, the event was graced by Singh Sahib Giani Kuldeep Singh, Jathedar of Takht Sri Kesgarh Sahib. He praised the University’s initiative in promoting Khalsa traditions among the youth, emphasizing that Holla Mohalla offers a significant source of inspiration for the academic world, fostering unity and self-respect.Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prit Pal Singh highlighted that during the symposium, attendees would engage with distinguished authors and poets engaged in human rights issues, along with discussions on recently published scholarly books and contemporary socio-political concerns. In his keynote address, Prof. Harpal Singh Pannu, Chairperson of Guru Nanak Global Welfare Chair, Chandigarh University, stressed the importance of research and constructive literature for both academia and society. He noted that Holla Mohalla plays a crucial role in integrating Sikh culture with both spiritual and worldly pursuits. Welcoming the guests, Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Sukhwinder Singh Billing, stated that this annual symposium serves as a platform for students to interact with new publications, authors, social activists, and poets, aligning with the University’s core objectives. Expressing gratitude, Dr. Hardev Singh, Convener of the Indian Knowledge System Cell, acknowledged the participation of renowned Panthic, academic, literary, and research personalities. During the "Meet the Authors" session, Sanam Sutirath Singh Wazir, author of "The Kaurs of 1984", and Gurjant Singh, author of "Sikh Nasalkushi da khura khoj" Investigation, engaged with students, sharing harrowing accounts of the state oppression against Sikhs in June and November 1984. Both authors discussed the indifference of the governments toward justice for the victims. The session was chaired by Prof. Jamshed Ali Khan from the Political Science Department, who emphasized the need for academic discourse on the significance of 1984 in the history of the Sikh community.The book review session featured Prof. Sharanjit Singh Dhillon from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, analyzing "Good Economics for Hard Times" by Nobel laureates, while Dr. Sikandar Singh, Head of the Punjabi Department, reviewed "From Newton to Higgs Boson" by Mandeep Singh Chahal, acknowledging their scholarly contributions to their respective fields. The day's proceedings concluded with a spectacular demonstration of traditional Sikh martial arts by the University’s national gold medalist Gatka team.
In literary sessions, Mr. Harpreet Singh, Head of the Music Department, and Ms. Ramanpreet Kaur, In-Charge of Political Science, welcomed the speakers, while Dr. Gagandeep Kaur (Education Department) and Dr. Baljeet Kaur (English Department) delivered the vote of thanks. Dr. Palwinder Kaur (Religious Studies) and Dr. Swarline Kaur (Music) served as stage secretaries. The event was attended by Registrar Prof. Tejbir Singh, Deputy Registrar Jagjeet Singh, Dr. Ankdeep Kaur Attwal, Coordinator, Internal Quality Assurance Cell of the University, and Heads of various department, including Dr. Harneet Billing (Education), Dr. Nav Shagan Deep Kaur (Sociology), Dr. Charan Kamal Sekhon (Zoology), Dr. Richa Brar (Mathematics), and Assistant Professor in Management Dr. Ramandeep Kaur. A large number of researchers, students, and media representatives were also present.