Dr. Avnish Jolly, Chandigarh, 10th October, 2008 :As part of Panjab University’s Diamond Jubilee Celebrations, the department of Guru Nanak Sikh studies, P.U., organized a special lecture by Shree Jagdip Singh Shergill in the seminar hall of D.C.S. (P.U.), on 10.10.2008. The eminent speaker from the university of Victoria Melbourne, Australia delivered his talk on “The Sikh Scriptural Perspective on Religious Pluralism".
According to him "religious pluralism, implies acceptance and tolerance of the diversity". Talking on the Sikh Philosophy and religion, he said that it was important to differentiate between the religion and culture. Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of Sikh religion saw some serious flaws in the religious environment of his times and gave the concept of unity and diversity. Mr. Shergil also told that religious
pluralism is a western construct, a creation of commercial culture. Tension and conflict arise when people of one religion look at the growth of other religions as a threat and competition. Where as religious pluralism can provide a better understanding of the truth. For this, Guru Granth Sahib can guide us.
Earlier Prof. Jaspal Kaur Kaang, chairperson, dept. of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, welcomed the guests and Clarify the concept of Religious Pluralism by giving the example of Guru Granth Sahib. The guests included, Prof Deepak Manmohan Singh, Prof Sahijpal, Dr. N.K. Ohja, Prof A.S. Aluwalia, Dr. Vikram Kumar, Prof Meera Malik, Prof B.S. Ghuman, Prof. Kushik, Prof. Nirmal Singh, Former Dean Student,
Prof. Shery Shaberwal, Chairperson Sociology, Prof. Kiranpreet and in teachers from department of Punjabi, Correspondence Studies, Evening studies and all various department were in a great number. Prof. Emeritus Dr. Darshan Singh presided over the function and expressed his scholarly views that one must read think and study of Guru Granth Sahib. Prof Aruna Goel the Guest of Honour, congratulated Mr. Shergil for his valuable ideas on the Sikh religion according to Prof. (Mrs.) Jaspal Kaur Kaang,
Chairperson, Dept. of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, P.U.