Relevance of religious scriptures in modern society discussed

Patiala : The department of historical studies of Punjabi University, bestowed a fellowship on Nikki Guninder Kaur Singh, chair and crawford family, professor of the department of religious study, Colby College Waterville, USA. Guninder’s father, Harbans Singh, had earlier taught at the same university in the department of religious studies. She also presented a lecture on the relevance of Guru Granth Sahib in the modern society at the university. She said historical scriptures were valuable in today’s society. Stressing on the fact that all religions taught humanity, Guninder said Guru Granth Sahib, Bhagwad Gita, Bible, Quran and Buddhism taught the same thing in different dialects. According to her, they taught the universal truth of life. “All these scriptures change our values and how we look at everything. It is important to interpret them,” she said.

She said Sikhism was a powerful medium of teaching right things in life and her main focus was to bridge the gap between Indians and Americans. Kaur said many Americans were interested in Sikhsim. “I am working to translate Sikh religious works into English,” she said. Guninder stressed on the five themes that had vital contemporary relevance, Historical Reality (Guru Granth Ji Manio Pargat Guran Ki Deh), the infinite one (ikk onkar), egalitarian ethics (khatri Brahman sud vais updes cahu varna ko sajha), a magical planetarium: worlds beyond worlds (patala patal lakh agasa agas), a feminist text: the divine is both male and female (ape purakh ape hi nar). Chief guest at the function, former MP Tarlochan Singh, lauded the work done by late Prof Harbans.