Bathinda, Nov 21, 2025(Yes Punjab News)
To commemorate the 350th Martyrdom Day of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the Central University of Punjab organized an invited lecture titled “Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom: An Exercise in Writing History.” The programme, held under the patronage of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari, featured distinguished scholar Prof. Gurinder Singh Mann, Retired Professor, University of California, Santa Barbara, USA, as the keynote speaker.
The event began with a warm welcome by Prof. Ramandeep Kaur from the Department of Punjabi, followed by an introduction of the speaker by Dr. Rubal Kanozia of the Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies.
In his lecture, Prof. Gurinder Singh Mann delivered a deeply insightful and historically rich analysis of the life and martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji. Drawing from early Sikh manuscripts and primary textual sources, he discussed the taksal tradition of Sikh learning, emphasizing its roots in truth-seeking, disciplined study, and character development. He also presented a comprehensive overview of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life, highlighting significant events, travels, spiritual contributions, and his profound influence on Sikh philosophy and society.
Prof. Mann elaborated on historical records related to the Guru’s name, dates, and early artistic representations, demonstrating how these elements have evolved over time and reflect the layered development of Sikh historical memory. He further explained that early Sikh texts portray Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s martyrdom not merely as an isolated event but as a moral and spiritual stand for righteousness, freedom of conscience, and preservation of societal harmony.
In his presidential remarks, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra P. Tiwari expressed gratitude to Prof. Mann for his enlightening presentation. He stated that the life and supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji continue to serve as an enduring source of inspiration, embodying values of justice, fearlessness, compassion, and the defence of the oppressed. He emphasized that such academic initiatives strengthen the understanding of Sikh history and deepen society’s moral and cultural consciousness.
The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Bawa Singh, Department of South and Central Asian Studies, who expressed appreciation to the speaker, dignitaries, faculty members, and students for their active participation.
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