NEW DELHI: The Guru Gobind Singh Foundation, Chandigarh a premier academic body set up the year 1966 organized an International Seminar on Sikhism and Inter-Religious Dialogue from January 4-6,1992 in FICCI Complex, New Delhi In the history of modern Sikhism, this was the first ever conclave of its kind to be held in India and assumed greater significance in the context of the present-day Sikh situation as well as the situation in our country which warrants encouragement of inter-faith and inter-community dialogue, The Seminar in five academic sessions discussed the following topics.
Religion as a determinant in Social synamics of change in ushering in a new work order informed by the spirit of religious, culture, social, economic and political pluralism, so essential for safeguarding Identities of the communities of the world. The ole of inter-religious dialogue and of Silk religion in particular, in easing antagonism arising out of mutually opposed ideologies. Role of religion in ensuring human dignity and freedom Religionystcal experience transcending narrow confines of creedal dogma universal phenomenon common to all religions. The role and significance of the Sikh value-pattern in relation to the present-day existenval concerns and situation of the Sikh community and a futuristic perspective on Sikhism and Sikh society
Eminent Sikh scholar, Dr Jasbir Singh Ahluwalia, delivered the Key-note Address at the inaugural Session on Jan4,1992, In his ad dress, Dr Ahluwalia stressed that, now, for the first time in to history after the Guru period contemporary Sikhism is becoming subconscious about its doctrinal identity as well as its ethno-religious ethno-cultural, ethno-social and ethno political identity. Dr. Ahluwalia observed that Sikhism with its inherent pluralist spirit can and should play significant role in inter-religious dialogue which, today, is aiming at ushering in a pluralist order, on theological, social, cultural and political levels, so essential foren Suring, self-perceived autonomy of different religious traditions and religious communities all over the world.
Dr. (Giani) Lal Singh delivered a special address on the Sikh view point on Inter-Religious Dialogue. Dr. Paulos Gregorios, Dr. Marcus Bray brooke, Chairman, International Inter-Faith Organizations Coordination Committee, U.K. and Prof .Harbans Singh, Punjabi University, Patiala also presented special address during the Seminar Proceedings.
Over 500 Scholars from India and abroad belonging to different religions participated in this his toric meet. The following top ranking scholars presented Seminar Papers and participated in the deliberations:-
Dr Diana L. Eck (Harvard University); Dr. Noel King (U.S.A.); Dr.G.S. Mansukhani_ (U.K.); Dr.Milton Israel (U.S.A.); Dr Mary Pat Fisher (US.A.); Dr Manjit Singh (U.S.A.); Dr, Nikky Gunninder Kaur, (Deptt. Of Comparative Religion and Philosophy (U.S.A..), Dr.Mohinder Singh (National Institute of Punjab Studies); _Prof .K.A. Nizami (Aligarh University); DrJaswant Singh Neki; Dr. Maheep Singh; Dr. Harnam Singh Shan; Dr Balkar Singh (Punjabi University); Dr.Kehar Singh (Punjabi University); S.Daljit, Singh; Prof. .N. Chaudhari Sr. S. .Dhanoa and other distinguished scholars.
Article extracted from this publication >> March 27, 1992
