The book Meditation to Martyrdom: The Legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, authored by Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, was formally released by Gulab Chand Kataria, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, during the Vice-Chancellors’ Conference held at Punjab Lok Bhawan.
The conference was presided over by the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and attended by Vivek Pratap Singh, Principal Secretary to the Governor, along with Vice-Chancellors of all public and private universities of Punjab and Principals of colleges from the border districts of the state.
Prominent academic leaders present included Prof. Jaspal Singh Sandhu, Adviser to the Governor and Vice-Chancellor, Lovely Professional University; Professor Rajeev Sood Director IIT Ropar, Prof Akhilesh Gupta former UGC Secretary; Prof. G. S. Gosal from Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana; Prof. Jagdeep Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala; Prof. Sanjeev Sharma, Vice-Chancellor, Maharaja Ranjit Singh Punjab Technical University; Prof. Sunil Mittal, Vice-Chancellor, I. K. Gujral Punjab Technical University; Prof. Dharmjit Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University, VC of Baba Farid University, Prof Sood, VC of Ayurvedic University besides several other Vice-Chancellors and senior academicians.
Before the release of the book, Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh thanked the Hon’ble Governor for graciously releasing the publication and expressed his gratitude to Bhagwant Singh Mann, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Punjab, and the Punjab Government for extending financial support for bringing out the work.
While addressing the gathering, Prof. Singh highlighted five key features of the book.
First, the book is presented in three scripts—Gurmukhi, Devanagari (Hindi), and English translation—making the Bani of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji accessible across linguistic boundaries.
Second, the book has been developed as a unique “speaking book.” Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji has 59 Shabads and 57 Saloks enshrined in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, composed in 15 ragas, including the rare and spiritually significant Jaijavanti Raag. All these Shabads have been authentically recorded under the supervision of Hazuri Ragi Bhai Narinder Singh, and QR codes have been incorporated to enable readers to listen to the Gurbani in a melodious rendition.
Third, the book includes a distinctive chapter titled Sehaj to Shaheedi, tracing the spiritual journey from inner equanimity to supreme sacrifice.
Fourth, the work derives 13 practical lessons from the life, Bani, and martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, offering guidance relevant to contemporary life.
Fifth, the book connects history with contemporary conscience, presenting the martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji not merely as a historical event, but as a living moral framework for courage, freedom of belief, human dignity, and ethical leadership.
Prof. Singh further informed that the book is divided into two parts. The first part comprises five chapters detailing the life, philosophy, and enduring legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, while the second part is devoted to Gurbani, wherein the Shabads and Saloks are presented in text and also made accessible through QR-code-enabled audio recordings.
The release of the book was widely appreciated by the academic leadership present, who lauded its scholarly depth, spiritual sensitivity, innovative presentation, and contemporary relevance.