SANTA ANA, CA: Sikh Center of Orange County held an international lecture series commemorating tercentennial of installation of Guru Granth Sahib - The Sikh Scripture. Sikh scholars from India delivered lectures explaining the uniqueness of Guru Granth Sahib.
Sardar Karamjit Singh, former assistant editor, Punjabi Tribune, Chandigarh called upon Sikhs to understand the 'Political Dimension' of the Granth and appreciate its spirituality driven inclination of sovereign State. Quoting Arnold Toynbee, poet Iqbal, and philosopher Khalil Gibran he invoked the thoughts of Gurbani and highlighted the messages of the Granth.
His analysis authenticated United Nation's inference that native language is important for survival of any community. Speaking to the audience Dr. Gurdarshan Singh Dhillon, former professor and head history department, Punjab University, Chandigarh laid out the meaning of 'Shabad Guru' as 'Living Guru' and its active role in bringing "beautiful changes in our lives".
He categorically lavished the attendees with lucid thoughts of Guru's word - Bani, and surmised "Guru Nanak speaks without any variation through other nine Gurus and also through Sri Guru Granth Sahib". Cautioning the gatherers against the research and writings of Hew McLeod and his pupils; Professors Gurinder Singh Mann and Pashaura Singh, he quantified 'Sikhs and the Granth' as synonymous and said nobody can change any word of the Granth.
Dr. Darshan Singh, former professor and head Guru Nanak Sikh Study chair, Punjab University, Chandigarh expressively articulated Gurbani to awaken the human consciousness and understand its intended logic. Commenting on the continuing struggle between the 'Pulpit and Podium' he said science speaks through lab and philosophy through logic.
His narration of "Gurbani and Creation of World Consciousness" concisely enumerated models of secular governments and their self destruction essentially due to failure of understanding the concept that "Guru Granth does not speak any thing illogical". Coalition of Gurdwaras of California and Sikhs for Preservation of Sikhism and Sikh Heritage thanked the speakers and their cogent thoughts.
Dr. Jasbir Singh Mann and Sardar Sawan Singh honored the visiting scholars for enlightening the southern California Sikhs. Dr Baljit Singh Sahi Co-ordinated the program.
