Amritsar, September 2, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has launched a year-long initiative to mark the 450th founding anniversary of Sri Amritsar Sahib, with a focus on examining the city’s heritage, contemporary challenges and future development rather than limiting the celebrations to ceremonial events.
The initiative is being led by Vice-Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, who has constituted two committees to plan and implement the programme. A 13-member Advisory Committee comprising eminent scholars and distinguished personalities will provide guidance, while a 20-member High-Powered Committee of faculty members will oversee the planning and execution of activities throughout the year.
Chairing the first meeting of the Advisory Committee, Prof. Karamjeet Singh said the anniversary provided a historic opportunity to preserve Amritsar’s distinctive spiritual and cultural character while developing a collective vision for its emergence as a world-class heritage, cultural and modern city.
He said Sri Amritsar Sahib, founded by the fourth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Ram Das Ji, has a distinctive religious, spiritual, historical, social, cultural and economic identity. The initiative will examine a wide range of aspects of the city, including its religious heritage, Punjabi language, art, literature, folk culture, trade, industry, agriculture, environment, water resources and urban development. Historical tragedies, the city’s resilience and its contribution to national and global history will also be explored.
A key outcome of the initiative will be an “Amritsar Policy Document”, based on expert consultations and deliberations conducted throughout the year. The document will outline the city’s needs, development opportunities and the respective roles of government agencies, universities, research institutions, cultural organisations, industry, trade, civil society and the diaspora.
The university also plans to publish a comprehensive booklet documenting the diverse dimensions of Amritsar.
Prof. Karamjeet Singh announced plans for a world-class international conference bringing together scholars, policymakers, professionals, community leaders and members of the global Punjabi and Sikh diaspora to discuss Amritsar’s historical significance, present-day concerns and future development.
“The memories, relationships and emotions of people associated with Amritsar across the world are an inseparable part of its living heritage. The global diaspora will, therefore, be actively engaged in this historic endeavour,” he said.
As part of the celebrations, GNDU also proposes to develop a Light and Sound Show tracing Amritsar’s journey from its foundation and spiritual significance to its cultural identity, social life and future possibilities.
Youth engagement will be another major component. The university proposes to involve 450 young people as ‘Amritsar Ambassadors’, who will document and share stories relating to the city’s neighbourhoods, institutions, communities, heritage and personalities. Students will participate in planning and implementing the year-long activities, positioning them as partners in the initiative rather than merely spectators.
Prof. Karamjeet Singh expressed confidence that the initiative would link Amritsar’s 450-year journey with the aspirations of future generations and reinforce the city’s distinctive identity on the global stage.
The Advisory Committee comprises Navdeep Suri, Dr Avtar Singh, Gurjot Kaur, Harjinder Singh Randhawa, Ravinder Singh Robin, Gunbir Singh, Kewal Dhaliwal, Dr Navdeep Kaur, Dr Ranjit Singh Ghuman, Prof. Sarabjot S. Behl, Prof. Radha Sharma, S. Kulwant Singh Ankhi and Himani Arora.
Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Harvinder Singh Saini welcomed the members of the Advisory Committee, while Registrar Prof. K.S. Chahal proposed the vote of thanks.
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