GNDU celebrates 55th Foundation Day with great enthusiasm

Babushahi Bureau

Amritsar (Punjab), November 24, 2024: The 55th Foundation Day of the Guru Nanak Dev University focused on practical implementations of the teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji and the human approach to addressing global challenges.

The main event featured academic lectures by three esteemed guests, Dr.Rajesh Gill,Dr.Ravinder Ravi and Dr.Amarjit Singh.The speakers highlighted Guru Nanak Dev Ji's teachings as a solution to the global problems faced by humanity.

Academicians, scholars, students and eminent personalities participated in these celebrations and had Guru Ka Langar.

Folklore exhibitions, Painting exhibitions and book exhibitions were organized in front of Bhai Gurdas Library and in the Gallery-History & Dreams at the University campus.

Dr. (Mrs.) Rajesh Gill, Professor (Retd.) Department of Sociology, Panjab University, Chandigarh; Dr. Ravi Ravinder, Professor, Department of Punjabi & Dean, Culture Council, University of Delhi, Delhi and Dr. Amarjit Singh, Director, Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib, Guru Nanak Dev University delivered academic lectures in the Guru Granth Sahib Auditorium of the University.

While welcoming the eminent scholars, Prof. Palwinder Singh, Dean of Academic Affairs presented the report about the development of the University since its inception. Prof. Shalini Behal, Professor Incharge (Examinations) presented vote of thanks.Prof. Dr. Karanjit Singh Kahlon conducted the proceedings. Prof. Palwinder Singh also honored guest speakers with mementos on behalf of the University.

On this occasion a large number of dignitaries, employees and students were present. 

Dr. (Mrs.) Rajesh Gill in her academic lecture said that she feels honoured to be a part of the 55th Foundation Day Celebrations of this prestigious University, especially because we are also celebrating 555th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, from whom the University draws its name.

She said that she has been a great admirer of Guru Baba Nanak, who was the most modern, secular and rational thinker in history. Astonishingly, Guru Nanak was far ahead of us even in the 15th century, when he underlined the importance of equality, respect for women, the meaninglessness of ritualism and superstitions. We, even in the 21st century, have not been able to get rid of casteism, gender inequality, corruption and ritualism.

Dr. Gill said that we should examine that  where we stand today vis-à-vis the teachings of Baba Nanak, particularly in reference to the values of equality, rationality and secularism, which are often considered as the natural outcome of scientific temper, modernity and technological development.

She said that it has become fashionable these days to circulate messages and videos on social media, celebrating high moral values, social inclusion, love for the downtrodden and poor, etc. etc., while sitting in insulated spaces with lots of social distancing, a gift of COVID-19 to us, engrossed with self and the smart phones. Practically, however, she said that, the world today is even more unequal, with ever increasing gulf between the powerful and powerless. We, the so-called followers of Baba Nanak, completely defying his teachings, have accepted corruption as a way of life.

In the modern world, giving and taking bribe has also advanced, as our young children before they are adults, learn how to give bribe and get the work done. Corruption is the ‘New-Normal’, that is not to be questioned, as a person’s social status is measured in terms of only and only money he/she has, she added.

While we struggle today to preserve environment and nature, She said that, Guru Nanak has stated more than 500 years ago ‘Pawan guru pani pita, matadharatmahat’ Did we ever follow Baba Nanak and treat ‘pawan’ – ‘air’ as ‘guru’, ‘water’ as ‘father’, and ‘zameen’ as ‘mother’? The idea of ‘universal harmony’ is so well reflected through the words ‘Gagan main thaal ravi chand dipak bane taarka mandal janak moti..’. However, we have exploited nature to such an extent that many parts of the world are today gasping for clean water and air.

She said that we should turn towards the society, which we claim to have evolved with modernization, urbanization, technological development into a secular, democratic and inclusive society, where only those illiterate, orthodox and uncivilized believe in inequalities among humans. Let us do the social audit. Rejecting the notion of irreversible caste status, He said: ‘Fakkar jati fakkar naao, sabna jiya nikka chhao’ arguing that an individual could achieve a higher status by practicing righteous behavior, irrespective of caste.‘Jaat ka garab na kariyo koi, Brahmbinde so Brahman hoi’.

We as teachers in higher education institutions have great responsibility to help the young minds develop new meanings of ‘life’, ‘success’ and ‘happiness’, and help evolve a world, that is more inclusive in the real sense, where religion brings people closer rather than pulling them away from each other and where the powerful remain humble to those in destitution.

While talking about Punjabi Culture and Heritage: Past Heritage to Present Dr. Ravi said that Punjabi culture is rich due the legacy of teachings of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji which are Love, Dialoge, Fearlessness, Liberal, Universal Brotherhood, Rejection of Caste System, Importance of Spiritual Growth, Hardwork, Honesty which are still relevant after 555 years. But the challenges faced by Punjabi culture today are numerous – Showoff, radicalization, extremism, migration, casteism and the decline of traditional values. He also discussed  the various challenges and explored the ways to address them.

He emphasized the importance of education, adaptation, and innovation in preserving and promoting Punjabi culture. While concluding his lecture he highlighted the significance of Punjabi culture in promoting social cohesion and national integration. He brought fore  the importance of education in promoting the ideals of Guru Nanak.

He also emphasized upon  the need to preserve and promote this rich cultural heritage for future generations.Dr. Amarjit Singh eloquently underscored the timeless relevance of Guru Nanak Dev Ji's sacred Bani, as enshrined in the Sri Guru Granth Sahib.

Emphasizing the Guru's profound wisdom, he noted that our world is a divine creation, serving as a canvas for spiritual growth and self-realization. Guru Sahib's universal message celebrates the Oneness of the Creator, transcending artificial boundaries and inspiring us to embody the selfless principle of 'sewa' (service).

By shunning discrimination in all forms, we may walk the path of love, peace, devotion, and social justice, illuminated by the Guru's eternal teachings.As Dr. Singh poignantly remarked, Guru Nanak Sahib's profound legacy offers guidance to humanity, fostering global brotherhood and a message of love that transcends time and space.

The day-long celebrations began with the Bhog Sri Akhand Path at the University Gurdwara Sahib followed by Shabad Kirtan by Bhai Gurpreet Singh Noor, Hazoori Ragi, Sri Darbar Sahib.

In the evening, special Kirtan Darbar at the University Gurdwara Sahib was organized followed by Langer.  Deepmala was also organized on the prominent buildings of the University.

A folklore exhibition was organized in which many colleges participated. Painting competitions was also organized as a part of these celebrations and the winners were honored.

In the painting competition, Kritika Rajput of BBKDAV College Amritsar stood first while Jaswant Singh of Sai College of Education, Jandiala secured second position and Ms. Rajpreet Kaur BBKDAV College Amritsar bagged third position. Amisha of the BBKDAV college got the consolation prize.