According to the guidelines of the Government of Punjab and the Honorable Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala Dr. B. S. Ghuman, The inaugural session of a two-day International Sufi Conference organized by the Baba Farid Center for Sufi Studies, Punjabi University was held at Senate Hall on September 25, 2019. The conference is under the auspices of the Punjab Government Programme series dedicated to 550th Prakash Purva of Guru Nanak Dev ji. The theme of this conference is 'Guru Nanak Dev Ji in dialogue with contemporary Muslims'.The Chief Guest at the conference H.E. Dr. Ali Chageni (Ambassador to India of I.R. of Iran) shared how deeply he is impressed with the teachings of Guru Nanak. He stated that the notion of One God makes Sikhism and Islam more close to each other. He said that Sufism is not just wearing a Pashmina robe but its the purity of the heart and soul. Even though the Technology has tried to replace the Spirituality but still there is a hope that spirituality and culture can be brought together with the means of dialogue. In both the Sufi and the Sikh faiths are similar in many practices which lead to union of the individual with each other and the God. He congratulated Sufi Center for organising Sufi Conference and also appreciated the works carried out by Punjabi University under the Guidance of Hon’ble VC Dr. B S Ghuman. Speaking on the Occasion Hon’ble VC Dr B.S Ghuman said that it is a matter of great Honour and pride to hold such conferences which bring different cultures together on one platform and setting an example to be become the flag bearer of peace and Harmony for the world. He shared deep rooted connection of Baba Farid and Sikhism and shared his feelings about Sufi practices and their contribution towards the society. Speaking about Gruu Nanak he said that Guru Nanak is the pioneer of Interreligious dialogue and is a prime example of setting up of a harmonious welfare state.
Professor of Emeritus Dr Akhtarul Wasey (President, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur) said that Guru Nanak’s impact cannot be denied on contemporary society. He stated that language is the medium for dialogue and not for any controversy. It is the means to convey ones message to others. During the times of Baba Farid Persian was the official language but still Baba Farid chose Punjabi as the language to preach his thoughts. He acknowledged and revered the efforts and works of Guru Nanak in the field of religion and spirituality. He expressed that it's only Guru Nanak who has kept alive the teachings of Baba Farid.Prof. Nashir Naqvi, Founder Director BFCSS in his speech stated how the Sufi centre came into being and how it reached the current status that it is seen as the Academic and Spiritual place for the Sufis around the world. He stated that this Centre is Asia's first Sufi centre. Giving the example of Punjab University Lahore, he said that Sufi centre PUP has became the inspiration for other countires to establish the same in their countries for promotion of Sufism. He established sufism as the thought of love, peace and harmony which act as the bridge between different cultures and religions all around the world.Dr. Khawaja Sayed Nizaamudin, gaddinashin dargah Nizamuudin Delhi, in his maiden speech at the conference said that one should follow the path of truthfulness even if he has to lay down his life for doing this. He said that it was Baba Farid who worked for the upliftment of women of the society by making a woman his heir.Prof.Mohd. Habib, Incharge, Baba Farid Center for Sufi Studies welcomed the dignitaries to the conference and elaborated on the works and plans of the Sufi centre.Dr. G. S Batra, Chairman and the Dean, thanked the dignitaries,visiting guests, teachers, researchers and students. Prof H.S Bedi, Chancellor Himachap Pardesh University, Dr. Mohamadi, Dr Jaspal KAur Dhanju, Dr. Jagroop Kaur,Dean Social Sciences, Dr. Dhanwant Kaur, Dr. Malkinder Kaur, Dr. Damanjeet Kaur Sandhu, Dr. Shama Khan, Dr Gurmeet Singh Sidhu, Dr Jaswinder Singh, Dr.Arvind Rituraj, Dr. Tejinder Dhaliwal, Dr.Gurmail Singh,Dr. Abneesh Kaur, Dr. Rqaminderjit Kaur, Dr. Syed Hasssan Abas, specially attended the conference. Almost thirty five scholars from across the country are participating in this conference.