The Department of Punjabi, Central University of Punjab, in collaboration with INTACH Punjab Chapter and INTACH Bathinda Chapter, organized a one-day national seminar on April 24, 2026. The seminar, titled “Teachings and Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji: Universal Relevance,” was held as part of a series of events commemorating the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
The seminar was conducted under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari. The keynote address was delivered by distinguished Punjabi scholar Dr. Manmohan Singh, Professor of Eminence at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar and former IPS officer. The special lecture was delivered by Prof. Paramvir Singh of the Sikh Encyclopaedia Department, Punjabi University, Patiala. Major General (Retd.) Balwinder Singh, Convener of INTACH Punjab Chapter, and Sh. Kanwar Bhim Singh, Convener of INTACH Bathinda Chapter, graced the occasion as special guests.
The academic sessions were chaired by Prof. Dr. Satnam Singh Jassal (former Head, Punjabi University Regional Centre, Bathinda), Prof. Rajinder Singh (Punjabi Department, Regional Centre, Bathinda), and Prof. Naresh Kumar (Head, Department of Punjabi and Dogri, Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala), who also evaluated the research papers presented during the seminar.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika, Dean (Academic Affairs) of the University. In his keynote address, Dr. Manmohan Singh delineated the historical evolution of the concept of martyrdom and highlighted the distinctive nature of the sacrifice of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
He observed that the martyrdom was not merely religious in character but also possessed significant political and economic dimensions. It was undertaken to uphold the right of others to practice their faith and to respond to the religious intolerance of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
He further emphasized the necessity of critically re-examining Sikh history beyond colonial interpretations and shared important insights regarding the Sikh martyrs who laid down their lives alongside the Guru. In his special address, Prof. Paramvir Singh offered a concise exposition of the teachings of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, noting that the Guru exemplified in practice the principles articulated in his Bani.
He stated that the Guru imparted a sense of fearlessness and liberated people from the fear of death, thereby instilling a consciousness of dignified living. He further remarked that the seeds of the creation of the Khalsa were inherent in the Guru’s martyrdom.
Major General (Retd.) Balwinder Singh elaborated upon the objectives of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), underscoring the importance of preserving historical sites associated with Sikh heritage and promoting Sikh philosophy. He stressed the need to create greater awareness among the younger generation regarding the rich cultural heritage of India and the universal relevance of the teachings and sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus.
In his presidential address, Prof. Ramakrishna Wusirika commended the Department of Punjabi for organizing the seminar and informed the audience about the proposed establishment of the Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Centre for Studies in Indic Civilization and Religious Studies at the University. The Centre proposes to introduce postgraduate programmes such as M.A. in Religious Studies and M.A. in Civilization Studies from the forthcoming academic session.
The seminar received more than 70 registrations, and selected research papers were presented across three academic sessions. The presentations examined diverse aspects of the life, teachings, and martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.
In his remarks, Prof. Satnam Singh Jassal discussed the historic journey of Bhai Jaita Ji in carrying the sacred head of the Guru to Kiratpur Sahib. Prof. Rajinder Singh highlighted the unparalleled nature of the Guru’s martyrdom, describing it as a seminal moment in the history of human rights.
During the third, online session, Prof. Naresh Kumar advised researchers to strengthen their scholarly work through rigorous use of references and evidence. The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Head of the Department, Dr. Amandeep Singh, followed by an introduction to the seminar by Prof. Ramanpreet Kaur.
The proceedings were conducted by Dr. Sarabjit Singh. Assistant Professors Dr. Satpreet Singh Jassal and Gurpreet Kaur proposed the vote of thanks. Research scholars and students of the Department of Punjabi actively contributed to the successful organization of the event.
Faculty members, researchers, and students from various departments of the University, along with participants from nearby colleges and universities and members of INTACH Bathinda, were present on the occasion.