Press Release
San Jose, California (USA)- Under the aegis of Guru Granth Sahib a grand seminar on heritage of Khalsa and Amrit Banis was organized on July 27, 2013 at Gurdwara Sahib San Jose, California.
At the outset it was emphasized that Guru Granth Grant Sahib is the only Guru of the Panth but Sri Dasam Granth Sahib is from divine pen of Guru Gobind Singh Ji and will remain integral part of the Khalsa fabric.
Seminar started with ardas by Bhai Mohinder Singh Bajwa, Head Granthi of gurdwara sahib. Thereafter dhadi jatha of Bhai Harbans Bilga recited dhadi vaaran. The proceedings started with a policy statement by S. Bhupinder Singh Dhillon, General Secretary of Gurdwara Sahib wherein he emphasized that this Gurdwara Sahib unequivocally submits to the authority and dictates of Sikh Rahit Maryada and Sri Akal Takhat Sahib and has full reverence and regards for the banee of Guru Gobind Singh ji Maharaj.
The apt attention and silence with which the audience listened to the renowned scholars showed their urge and desire to know and grasp the glory of Guru Granth Sahib Ji and the scriptures of Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
Seminar started with a phone message of Giani Gurbachan Singh, Jathedar Sri Akal Takhat Sahib where he reminded that there are people trying to spread misinformation about Gurbani and especially Dasam Granth. The need of the hour is to bring out the truth to the Sangat.
Dr. Harbhajan Singh from Punjabi University Patiala, and an authority on Gurbanee, gave a lecture on the authorship of Sri Dasam Granth. He mesmerized the audience with the purpose, intent and motive of the writings of Sri Dasam Granth. He reeled out instances and references from the scripture to show how all the banees of Sri Dasam Granth are interconnected and can only be from one author. He gave details about the concept of kaal and akaal in Sri Dasam Granth. He was candid in giving details of chritropakhyan and gave instances from the scripture.
Dr. Gurinder Singh Mann a scholar from London who has done commendable work on the sources and different Beerhs of Dasam Granth gave details of his research. In his presentation he showed different editions of Dasam Granth found at different places and their relevance.
Giani Sher Singh of Gurdwara Manji Sahib Ambala gave references from different Banees of Dasam Granth and their relevance. He emphasized that the intent and purpose of Guru Gobind Singh Ji in giving this scripture was to infuse the spirit of Guru Granth Sahib in the Khalsa.
Dr. Sukhmandar Singh in an emotional address stressed the need of interaction with the youth and bringing out more effectively the Sewa aspect of Sikhism.
Dr. Jodh Singh from Punjabi University, Patiala gave details from Sri Dasam Granth, its poetry and impact on the society.
S. Prabhsharandeep Singh brought out under-currents of dissensions and gave details how these came about. He said Punjab had very effective education system but was destroyed by Britishers and now the pattern is to demolish the spirituality altogether. He apprehended that this whole exercise is to damage the concept of the Panth.
S. Gurcharanjit Singh Lamba also spoke on the importance and impact of Dasam Banee.
The whole program was conducted by Dr. Gurtej Singh who noted that the organizers of "Khalsa Da Virsa - Amrit Baani" seminar decided to invite scholars who could shed light on the Sikh scriptures and try to clear doubts caused by the overwhelming negative parchar . The main focus of this seminar was that the Gurbani of our eternal Guru, Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji is "Dhur Kee Baani' or the Revealed Word, and the saroop of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji that we have today is the authentic and is the same as compiled by Guru Gobind Singh Ji at Damdama Sahib. The other main focus of this seminar was to preserve faith in "Khande de Pahul", our Ardaas, and a Sikh's daily Nitnem Baanis; which are from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and Sri Dasam Granth.
This motive was achieved to the full as the doubts were dispelled and faith was strengthened. So much so that those who had some misgivings were saying openly that now they realize how they were misled by unscrupulous pseudo scholars.
The comments of most of the participants from the audience were two fold. Some were saying that they were misled by negative Parchaar that polluted their minds and created doubts about the Guru and Gurbaani and that now stands cleared after listening to the scholars. They felt refreshed and rejuvenated. On the other hand there were people who said they had faith in the Banee but now they know the purpose and intent of Guruji spending His time and divine energy for this purpose.
The video recording of the whole program will soon be available on websites Patshahi10.org and KhalsaVirsa.com. If a Gurdwara Sahib or an organization want to sponsor a similar seminar, then they may post request at KhalsaVirsa.com or send email to [email protected]
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |