PCM S.D. College for Women Organizes National Seminar on “Swami Dayanand Saraswati: Unparalleled Contribution Towards Indian Culture and Heritage”

Jalandhar, March 28, 2026: The Department of History of PCM S.D. College for Women, Jalandhar organized a National Seminar on the theme “Swami Dayanand Saraswati: Unparalleled Contribution Towards Indian Culture and Heritage.” The seminar was sponsored by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi, and aimed to highlight the immense contribution of Swami Dayanand Saraswati towards the preservation and promotion of Indian culture and heritage.
The seminar commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance and the spread of knowledge. This was followed by a floral welcome accorded to the distinguished guests by Vinod Dada, Senior Vice President of the College Managing Committee, Dr. Pooja Prashar, Principal of the college, Kawaljit Kaur, Convenor of the Seminar and Dr. Renu Bala, Coordinator of the Seminar.
The welcome address was delivered by Dr.Pooja Prashar, the Principal, who warmly welcomed the dignitaries and appreciated the efforts of the Department of History for organizing a seminar on such a significant theme related to India’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
The Inaugural Address was delivered by Kawaljit Kaur, Convenor of the Seminar  who highlighted the relevance of Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s teachings in the contemporary era and emphasized his contribution towards social reform and the revival of Vedic values.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Jaiveer S. Dhankhar, Professor and Head, Department of History and Archaeology, M.D. University, Rohtak, Haryana. In his enlightening address, he elaborated upon the philosophical ideas and reformist vision of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and discussed how his teachings played a crucial role in shaping modern Indian society and cultural consciousness.
The seminar further proceeded with Technical Session–I, where eminent scholars shared their valuable insights. Dr. Manu Sharma, Associate Professor and Head, Department of History, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, discussed various dimensions of Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s contribution to Indian culture and society. Dr. Priyatosh Sharma, Professor, Department of History, Former Chairperson and Fellow, Panjab University, Chandigarh, spoke about the historical significance of Arya Samaj and its influence on social and educational reforms in India.
The deliberations continued with Technical Session–II,  Dr. Monica Sharma, Associate Professor, Department of History and Director, Gandhian Studies Centre, Kanya Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, highlighted the relevance of Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s thoughts in strengthening Indian cultural identity and moral values.
The seminar concluded with the Valedictory Session, during which Dr. Mohammad Idris, Professor, Department of History and Incharge, Shaheed Udham Singh Chair, Punjabi University, Patiala, delivered the valedictory address. He appreciated the initiative of the Department of History in organizing a seminar dedicated to the life and contributions of Swami Dayanand Saraswati and encouraged young scholars to undertake research in the field of Indian history and heritage.
The event also witnessed the release of a book related to the theme of the seminar, marking an important academic contribution to the study of Indian culture and heritage.
As a token of appreciation, the dignitaries were presented with mementos in recognition of their valuable contributions to the seminar.
The Vote of Thanks was presented by Dr. Renu Bala, Coordinator of the Seminar who expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished speakers, participants, and organizers for their valuable contributions in making the seminar a great success. The stage was skilfully conducted by Shikha Puri.
President Naresh Budhia, Senior Vice President Vinod Dada, the other members of the Managing Committee and the Principal Dr. Pooja Prashar lauded the efforts of the Department of History for successfully organizing the seminar and providing a meaningful platform for academic discussion and exchange of ideas on Indian culture and heritage.