PATIALA, Punjab—In memory of former Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee president Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra, a high level two days seminar was organized by Bhai Gurdas Chair in collaboration with Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra Charitable Trust in Guru Granth Sahib Bhawan of Punjabi University Campus.
A well known BBC veteran journalist Mark Tulley and Satish Jackob specially arrived to lead the seminar. An interesting debate was held among the intellectuals of various colours.
While addressing, Mr. Tulley said in the rule of communal extremism, freedom of a human being ended as was witnessed in Ireland where people started to hate religion due to over-strictness of priests. “Same happens in case of Islamic state. Communal rigidity disturbs balance. So Sikhs should be aware of these practices”, he said.
Renowned Sikh ideologue and political commentator S. Ajmer Singh said that at present era, intellect of Sikhs is being murdered. “Phenomenon of globalisation controls their practices as per its will. It interprets the sentences of Gurbani and uses it accordingly. Western knowledge system has destroyed our traditions”, he added.
Sumer Singh said during modern polity, solution of the problems being faced by the people is not being found. Baba Hari Singh Singh Randhawe Wale opined, “Justice should be delivered in Sikh rule. Jathedar Gurcharan Singh Tohra could be a model for Sikh state.”
In addition, university V-C Dr. Jaspal Singh, Kehar Singh. Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Kulwant Singh Grewal and Dr. Harjinder Singh Walia also presented their views on the subject.
Sikh scholar Dr. Balkar Singh was conferred with an award started in memory of Tohra. Dr. Sarbjinder Singh, head of Bhai Gurdas Chair thanked all the attendees. Gurbakhash Singh played role of stage secretary.
