CHANDIGARH  November 23, 2012:  A Special Lecture was organized by Department of Guru
Nanak Sikh Studies in the Seminar Hall of Guru Tegh Bahadur Bhawan, P.U. Campus here
today.  The lecture was organized on the eve of Martyrdom Day of Guru Tegh Bahadur, the
9th Guru of the Sikhs (Martyrdom Day falls on 24.11.2012). Main speaker at the function
was Dr. Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon, former Chairperson of Department of Evening Studies,
Panjab University.  

Dr. Dhillon described in depth the circumstances leading to the Guru Martyrdom and its
Impact on Society.  Dr. Dhillon dwelt on the exclusive concept of Martyrdom in Sikh
Philosophy as it entails sacrifice of the self without any expectations for reward after
death In fact Sikhism does not believe in life after death. Spirit of Martyrdom in
Sikhism is the outcome of state of mind which is termed as Sachkhand, a mental equipoise
where an individual self, having become one with the eternal truth, transcends the
feeling of pain and pleasure and one is ready to lay down one’s life for safeguarding
human rights and path of truthfulness. Edifice of Sikh history is built upon the
Martyrdom of Sikh Gurus and their followers.

Speaking on the occasion Prof. Jaspal Kaur Kaang, Chairperson of Department of Guru
Nanak Sikh Studies explained the concept of Martyrdom as enshrined in the Sikh thought,
which she termed as journey from Shabad to Shahadat Tak -Shabad (Teachings) as enshrined
Gurbani which prepares one for Supreme Sacrifice (Shahadat) when one thinks only of
safeguarding values beyond the bodily self.  Prof. Kaang also paid homage to Bhai Dyala,
Bhai Mati Dass and Bhai Sati Dass who embraced Martyrdom along with Guru Tegh Bahadur.
She thanked guests and audience.

Prof.  B.S. Ghuman, Dean Faculty of Arts presided over the function and said that
teachings of Guru Granth Sahib should be interpreted through true research methodology
and in the context of new vistas of global situation. Dr Gurpal Singh thanked the
participants and appreciated the ideas expressed by Dr. Dhillon and others who spoke the
occasion.  

 
Press Note No.560
      MMK/PS