Panjab University Hosts Discussion on Sikh Studies in Western Academia
Scholars Call for Deeper Gurmat Perspective in Sikh Studies Research at PU Event
City Air News
May 22, 2026 05:54
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Chandigarh, May 22, 2026: The Department of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University, in collaboration with NaadPragaas, organised a lecture on “Placing Sikh Studies in Western Academia” on Thursday. Renowned Sikh scholar Amandeep Singh delivered the keynote address.
Speaking during the session, Amandeep Singh said Sikhism in the West is increasingly being viewed within the framework of Punjabi identity, leading to tensions between Punjab Studies and Sikh Studies. He said Western academic institutions have evolved sophisticated approaches to studying religion and discussions on Sikhism in such spaces require a similar level of intellectual maturity.
Earlier, Professor Gurpal Singh Sandhu welcomed the guests and said examining the core concepts and principles of Sikhism from a Gurmat perspective is among the most important contemporary academic needs. He also highlighted the department’s ongoing academic activities.
During the open discussion, Dr Praveen Kumar stressed the need to clearly distinguish between Punjab Studies and Sikh Studies.
Jaswinder Singh spoke about liberating philosophical concepts from predetermined meanings to encourage originality in thought.
Professor Jagdish Singh said Punjabi identity should be understood within Sikhism rather than being placed parallel to it.
At the concluding session, Professor Harpal Singh said Western methods of study largely interpret Sikhism from the perspective of karni, or conduct, rather than Naam Simran. Dr Rajesh Jaiswal, Gurbir Singh and Gurpreet Singhal also addressed the gathering.
Students and scholars from Guru Nanak Dev University and representatives of various educational institutions also attended the event. The proceedings were conducted by Dr Sukhwinder Singh.
