Dr.Gobind Singh Mansukhani, 4 wellborn educationist and scholar of Sikhism, died in June 1993 in London, U.K. He was 78. At the time of his death, Dr.Mansukhani was the president of European Institute of Sikh Studies and was actively involved with the monumental project of ‘Sri Guru Granth Sahib Translation Project as part of International Sacred Literature Trust of the Harper Collins Sacred Literature Series Publication. In his almost half a century career, Dr, Mansukhani served as Professor of English, principal of Khalsa Colleges, and later as deputy secretary in the University Grants Commission, He settled in London on his retirement Dr,Mansukhani was a prolific writer and published more than a dozen books, wrote articles in all the leading Sikh journals on issues ranging from music, theology, Sikh history, Gurbani and social issues. During his early years, he was interested in music and leaned from Swami Brahmanand of Singh, Dr.Mansukhani was well versed in Shabadrites of Gurmat Sangeet and participated in Kiran Darbars and Judged the performances of musicians and as well as children. He published “Indian Classical Music and Sikh Kirtan’ in English in 1982.

Original contribution was the bookGuru Ramdas His Life, Work and Philosophy, which included the chapter of “Times of Guru Ramdas’ which is considered as unique. As a writer, he authored a biography of Guru Gobind Singh, life of Guru Nanak, translated Sundri by Bhai Vir Singh into English, translated hymns from Guru Granth Sahib and compositions of Bhai Gurdas into English. His ‘Introduction to Sikhism” was a very popular book with the children. Dr.Mansukhani participated in conferences engaged in Sikh Studies throughout the world. He was also actively engaged in dialogues with Inter Faith conferences. He organized conferences and lectures on Sikhism in colleges and universities in the U.K.

His participation in Sikh Youth Camps in the U.K., the USA and Singapore would always be remembered with affection and gratitude for his lucidity, clarity of thought and originality. On a personal dimension, he was a very loving friend, respecting others’ views, and never uttered a harsh word symbolizing a true Gursikh Munda Kise na aakh jhagra pawanaa. Dr.Mansukhani leaves behind, his wife, one son, Gulab of Lon don, and a daughter, Mira of Los Angeles, and three grandchildren. Dr.Balwant Singh, Bucknell University Lewisburg, PA.

Article extracted from this publication >>  July 9, 1993