AMRITSAR: An eminent Sikh scholar and Professor and Head of the department of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Punjab University, Chandigarh, Dr.Darshan Singh, has said that Sikh history has been “distorted” by certain historians, primarily due to the lack of proper Sikh background and orientation. The history and culture of Sikhs is very rich and without understanding it in the modem contest, it is not possible to understand Sikhism in its true perspective.
In his keynote address at a two-day seminar on, “perspectives and challenges to Sikhs in the late 19th century and the early 20th century,” organized by the Department of Guru Nanak Studies of the GNDU here recently, he dwelt upon the role of Sikhs in the freedom struggle and stated that it was none other than Baba Ram Singh, founder of the Kuka movement, who brought about a consciousness for the freedom of India. “Sikh is a fundamentalist and a mode mist at the same time. He is simultaneously defiant and aggressive since birth, He is aggressive only for the sake of his faith,” Dr.Darshan Singh added.
Dr.S.S.Bal, a former Vice-chancellor of the university, who presided over the seminar, said that in the freedom movement as also in Socioreligious reform movements, the Kuka and the Nirankaris had played very significant role.
Dr.Mann Singh Nirankari, while nugurating the seminar said the basic character of a Sikh was such that he neither feared anybody nor tried to frighten anybody. Humility is the main characteristic of a Sikh, he led.
Dr. (MS) Madanjit Kaur, Professor Head of the Department of Guru Nanak Studies and director of the seminar, said the main objective of the seminar was to view and understand Sikh traditions, culture and religion in ahistorical perspective and to highlight the contributions of Sikhs.
More than 50 scholars from various universities in the northern region are participating in the seminar.
Dr.Kirpal Singh, a noted Sikh historian, spoke on “Clash of Sikh identity the Rawalpindi riots, 1926.” Dr, Mann Singh Nirankari, Prof Himat Singh, Dr Jasmitter Singh, Narinder Singh Soch and Dr Joginder Singh were among those who presented their papers on the opening day.
Article extracted from this publication >> April 9, 1993
