‘Message of oneness solution to all ills, not war’

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, September 11

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) organised a one-day national seminar on ‘Interfaith Dialogue and Understanding’ at the Sri Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan auditorium of the university here on Wednesday. The seminar was organised by the Centre on Studies in Sri Guru Granth Sahib of the university with the collaboration of Punjab Government, dedicated to the 550th birth celebration of Guru Nanak Dev.

Prof Sarabjot Singh Behal, dean, academics affairs, presided over the inaugural session. Dr Jasbir Singh Sabar, Sikh scholar, delivered the inaugural remarks and Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian, another eminent Sikh scholar, delivered the keynote address. Prof Amarjit Singh, director of the centre, introduced the theme of the seminar.

Prof Jasbir Singh Sabar said that understanding interfaith relations and building sensibilities based on that understanding was need of the hour. By giving the example of Dr Manmohan Singh, former PM of India, Sabar said, “In his first press conference as Prime Minister of India, Dr Singh had quoted from Guru Nanak’s message, ‘Jab Lag Dhuneea Reheeai Nanak Kich Suneeai Kich Kaheeai’. It gives an important message of oneness, which is the solution, not the war.” He further said that present time was focused on “I and egoism” and without understanding Guru Nanak’s teachings and his philosophy, one cannot expect to look for solutions within the realms of faith.

Bhai Ashok Singh Bagrian said that what Guru Nanak taught, he himself lived in accordance with throughout his life. “All his 10 bodies (Guru Nanak to Guru Gobind Singh), followed that suit. So, as the Sikhs of Guru Nanak, it is our duty to live under the guidance of Guru.” He also emphasised on the fact that there are five languages in Guru Granth Sahib and respecting each language is essential for good society, where people belonging to different religions, regions, languages, culture, could live together with respect and harmony.

Prof Behal, in his presidential remark, said, “In the present time monologue is replacing dialogue, which is harmful. For better understanding of faith and religion, we should also read other scriptures with open mindedness.”

The seminar had academicians and participants from across the region, including Prof Gurmeet Singh Sidhu, Punjabi University, Patiala, Prof Amarjit Singh Narang, Indira Gandhi Open University, Delhi, and Prof Hamidullah Marazi, Central University of Kashmir, who presented their papers. In the concluding session, six scholars presented their papers on interfaith dialogue.