NEW JERSEY: May 21 1994 Saw an important step in the creative use Of gurdwara facilities On that day the Sikh community Of the Tristate area hosted a seminar-discussion in the Glen Rock ‘Gurdwara in New Jersey from 5:00 10.9:00.pm it was a recognition of the fact that gurdwaras have functions more than Katha and Keenan Almost as an University a gurdwara exists also to provide a forum for free and wide-ranging discussions on all matters impacting on the Sikhs.

 Dr. Balwant Singh Dhillon of Guru Nanak Dev University led the discussion with an impressive Slide-presentation on the authenticity and antecedents of MS1245. ‘This rare manuscript had formed the basis for the 1991 doctoral thesis of Pashaura Singh at the University of Toronto. Dr Dhillon is one of the few scholars who have been able to closely examine the document He presented strong and cogent arguments why these manuscript docs not antedate the compilation of Adi Granth and why it could not have been used as the basis for the Adi Granth.

Next Dr. Balwant Singh from Bucknell University summarized the development of social authority in Sikhism with particular reference to Akal Takht. After time out for tea and pakoras Dr Dhillon led a discussion of the current understanding of the Goindwal Pothis. A lively discussion followed. From his presentation and from the comments of Dr. Gurinder Singh Mann (Columbia University) and Manohar Singh Marco (Marco Foundation) it became clear that the exact place of these manuscripts in Sikh history and canon is not yet clear The need for further research on these documents was emphasized. The symposium was organized by Dr. Satnam Singh Dhami; the first session was chaired by Dr. I.J. Singh (New York University) the second by Ms Rapinderjit Kaur. ‘The attendees averaged 70 ranging from 45 to about 90 but most importantly the discussion was disciplined courteous wide-ranging and lively. There was more and better participation and interest than I have seen in many a professional academic lecture and more hands raised than time allowed. That speaks well for the intellectual curiosity of Sikhs for they are after all followers of a book.

I.J. Singh New York University

Article extracted from this publication >> June 3, 1994