Guru and Guru’s Sandesh (message) has been with all of us for the last 550 years: Dr Brijpal Singh, a renowned Sikh Scholar

Ludhiana, November 4, 2019: “Follow Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message ‘Man Jeete Jag Jeet’ (Conquer your mind and conquer the world),” said Padma Shri Awardee Dr Baldev Singh Dhillon, Vice-Chancellor, Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), while addressing the gathering on the concluding day of Parkash Purb celebrations at PAU. Senior officials, deans, directors, faculty and students of PAU attended the function in large number that was organised by the Directorate of Extension Education, PAU. Stating that it was important to have knowledge about religion, Dr Dhillon called upon the youth to imbibe the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Three prominent speakers, namely Dr Brijpal Singh, a renowned Sikh Scholar from Patiala; Sardar Jaswant Zafar, Superintending Engineer, Punjab State Electricity Board; and Dr Bawinderpal Singh, Former Head, Department of Economics, GHG Khalsa College, Gurusar Sudhar, Ludhiana delivered their lectures on the occasion. Dr Brijpal Singh said, “Guru and Guru’s Sandesh (message) has been with all of us for the last 550 years. His Parkash starts from ‘Ik Onkar.’ Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s advent was like the rising of the Sun (Satguru Nanak Pargateya). His message to mankind is ‘Naam Japo, Kirat Karo and Vand Chakko’ (Remember God, do your work honestly and share the fruits of one’s labour).” Throwing light on the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Dr Singh said: “Worship Him. The day suraj (Sun) enters inside you, its kiran (rays) will brighten your life.” Sardar Jaswant Zafar, an author of the book entitled “Aseen Nanak De Ki Lagde Haan,” said Guru Nanak Dev Ji believed in Oneness and universal brotherhood. Citing examples from daily life, he called for effacing ego and following Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s message of creating society of righteousness free of falsehood, bigotry, superstitions, etc. Speaking on “Mann Haali Kirsani Karni,” Dr Bawinderpal Singh, a prolific writer, advocated: “Make your mind the farmer; good deeds the farm; modesty the water and body the field.” “Guru Nanak Dev Ji was very intelligent, having powerful style of expression that connected Him to the masses. He promoted simplicity,” observed Dr Singh. Any task done with good intentions and honesty will definitely give rewards, he added. Earlier Dr JS Mahal, Director of Extension Education, welcomed the guest speakers, dignitaries, senior officials, faculty and the students of PAU. He extended his wishes to all on the occasion of 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Dr Sarabjeet Singh, Professor of Journalism, while conducting the programme, said, “Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s God is formless (Nirankar). His call to human beings of the universe is to unite and create a new world of peace, harmony and righteousness.” Earlier, Dr Dhillon inaugurated the “Vand Chako” programme, wherein articles such as old clothes, electronics, school bags, toys, etc., donated by the residents and students of PAU, were distributed among the needy. All the guest speakers were honoured with shawls and mementos during the programme. During the four-day celebrations, various competitions were held. In essay writing, Pawandeep Kaur, Gurleen Kaur and Jasmine Sidhu stood first, second and third, respectively. In poster making, Gurdeep Kaur, Amrit Kaur and Shweta Diwedi secured first, second and third positions, respectively. In photography, Anuj, Aakash and Sukhvir Singh stood first, second and third, respectively. Jashan bagged consolation prize in photography competition. All the winners were awarded prizes and certificates. On the occasion, special issues of Progressive Farming and Changi Kheti, celebrating the 550th birth anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, were released. In addition, a folder on important teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji was also released. An exhibition showcasing literature on the teachings of 10 Gurus was put up outside Pal Auditorium. A documentary on “Life and Legacy of Guru Nanak” which has been released in US was shown to the audience. A pledge on “Not to use plastic, not to indulge in stubble burning and conserve water” was also taken by the audience. Later, Kashmira Yamla, grandson of famous Punjab singer Yamla Jatt, enthralled the gathering with his song.