UC Davis and Naad Pargaas USA Host Symposium and Webinar Honouring Prof. Puran Singh
Davis, California – October 25, 2025:
The Sikh Student Association of UC Davis, in collaboration with Naad Pargaas USA, hosted a symposium dedicated to the literary and philosophical contributions of eminent Sikh scholar and poet Prof. Puran Singh. The event drew students, faculty, community members, and scholars from UC Davis, the wider Bay Area, and other academic institutions.
Keynote Highlights
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Kuldeep Singh of the Middle East/South Asia Studies Department emphasized the lasting relevance of Prof. Puran Singh’s works. He urged the audience to move beyond societal masks and divisions to truly understand the poet’s universal spiritual vision. He noted that “education without heart is noise, and knowledge without love remains blind,” pointing to Puran Singh’s belief that progress must be anchored in spirit.
Scholarly Presentations
The symposium featured a series of thought-provoking papers:
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Harjot Kaur, Convener of Naad Pargaas USA, presented “Epistemic Access to Bhagirath: A Hermeneutical Reflection.” She discussed the novel Bhagirath, authored by Prof. Puran Singh and published in 2023 by Naad Pargaas at Harvard University. Kaur highlighted how a century-long delay in its publication reflects a broader disconnect between lived experience and knowledge within Sikh communities.
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Sukhamrit Singh from UC Berkeley captivated the audience with a classical violin performance, adding artistic depth to the gathering.
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Amandeep Singh, Director of Naad Pargaas USA, presented “In Search of the Eternal: The Literary Journey of Prof. Puran Singh.” He examined the historical pressures of colonialism, identity politics, and ritualization of religion that shaped the poet’s philosophy. Singh distinguished between normative religion based on ritual and intuitive religion grounded in creativity, universality, and active engagement with life—an approach central to Puran Singh’s worldview.
Following the presentations, Prof. Kenneth Burtis, former Provost of UC Davis, shared reflections on Puran Singh’s portrayal of religion as a liberating and universal force. He praised the cross-cultural and intertextual richness of the poet’s literary legacy.
The program opened and concluded with the recitation of Shabads from the Guru Granth Sahib. Poems by Prof. Puran Singh were interwoven throughout the event, enriching the intellectual atmosphere with lyrical resonance. Anhadpal Singh, a UC Davis student, moderated the symposium and contributed by singing two compositions of Prof. Puran Singh.
Follow-Up International Webinar
A complementary webinar was held on November 1, 2025, attracting scholars and students from India and global Sikh diasporas.
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Nilambri Ghai from Ottawa, Canada, and granddaughter of Prof. Puran Singh, delivered the keynote. She shared rare biographical insights and highlighted his unique achievements in science alongside his literary pursuits.
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Gurchetan Singh presented his work on Thundering Dawn, a rare journal edited by Puran Singh and republished in 2023. He explained how the fusion of form and content in Puran Singh’s writings advances knowledge beyond empirical limits.
Distinguished scholars Prof. Jaswinder Singh (Punjabi University, Patiala) and Dr. Sukhwinder Singh (Panjab University, Chandigarh) offered expert commentary, noting how the webinar expanded the scope of contemporary Puran Singh studies.
The session was convened by Dr. Ankita Sethi of GTBIT, New Delhi, who facilitated scholarly discussions. Special guest Dr. Komal Kaur Dang, great-granddaughter of Bhai Vir Singh, also participated.
The webinar concluded with remarks from Prof. Jagdish Singh, Director of Naad Pargaas, who thanked participants, particularly the families of Prof. Puran Singh and Bhai Vir Singh, for their presence.
A Tribute to Intellectual and Spiritual Legacy
Both the symposium and the webinar reflected a meaningful convergence of scholarship, aesthetics, and spiritual reflection. Together, they reinforced Prof. Puran Singh’s enduring legacy as a visionary who bridged literature, science, culture, and universal spirituality.