Guru Nanak’s JAPJI in Shahmukhi Text with Translation in Urdu
Harbans Lal, Ph.D.; D.Litt. (Hons)
Introduction
It was the year 2004 when the world celebrated the 400th Installation at Darbar Sahib of the Pothi Sahib at Darbar Sahib Sri Amritsar. It was then felt that the Guru Granth Sahib must be both transliterated and translated in at least most of India’s national languages. Several projects were begun to reach that goal. Sardar Devinder Pal Singh offered to undertake translation in Urdu and asked for help.
I offered to help as I had taken courses in Urdu, Persian, and Sanskrit grammar during my high school and college curricula. Then I visited Qadian College to present a seminar and to seek further help from the Urdu scholars on the college staff. We found their cooperation and assistance. When the first version of the Urdu translation became available, it was handed over to SGPC for review and approval of publication. Sardar Devinder Pal Singh was honored with Sacred Siropa at Akal Takhat. Soon after Sardar Devinder Pal Singh died. I continued to edit and update the translation along with a couple of Urdu knowing Gurbani scholars.
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More recently the Urdu translation was combined with the Shahmukhi version of Gurbani provided by Sardar Kirpal Singh Pannu. The combined text was entered into Microsoft Word under a contract between the Academy of Guru Granth Studies, USA, and Educator Composing Co, of Pakistan. The digitized version of the Urdu translation needs proofreading and editing, and we are looking for volunteer proofreaders knowing Urdu.
The purpose of the article is first to share a portion of the translation with the Urdu speaking readers and to invite assistance in editing and improving the translation where necessary. Also, we need access to the Urdu speaking seekers of the teachings imbibed in the Guru Granth so that we share the translations with them.
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