Prof. Gurinder Singh Mann highlights Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life, teachings, and martyrdom in a scholarly lecture at Central University of Punjab.

Guru Tegh Bahadur :  Sikh scribal traditions, Guru Sahib’s travels, teachings, and the spiritual profundity of his ultimate sacrifice were all highlighted in an event held on the 350th anniversary of his martyrdom.

On the occasion of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s 350th martyrdom anniversary, a special invited lecture was held at the Central University of Punjab. Renowned Sikh scholar Prof. Gurinder Singh Mann, a retired professor from the University of California, Santa Barbara (USA), gave the talk, “Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur’s Martyrdom: An Exercise in Writing History.” Under the auspices of Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari, academics, researchers, and students from a variety of departments enthusiastically participated in the event.

Prof. Ramandeep Kaur from the Department of Punjabi gave a welcome speech to kick off the event. She underlined the need of planning scholarly gatherings that enhance cultural and historical knowledge. The keynote speaker was then introduced by Dr. Rubal Kanojia of the Department of Mass Communication and Media Studies, who also emphasized his significant contributions to Sikh historical studies.

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A well-researched and historically informed view of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life, teachings, and martyrdom was offered by Prof. Gurinder Singh Mann in his lecture. He clarified that the search of truth, focused study, and character development are the cornerstones of Sikh spiritual learning, drawing on early Sikh manuscripts, historical documents, and the ancient Sikh scribal (taksal) heritage.

Key aspects of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life, including as his extensive travels, his writings, and the significant impact of his philosophy on Sikh society, were covered in detail by Prof. Mann. The message of the Guru Sahib, he underlined, encourages justice, compassion, bravery, and the defense of the downtrodden.

Prof. Mann described the evolution of descriptions and interpretations of the Guru Sahib, including its early artistic depictions, dates, names, and historical documents. Sikh historical memory, he pointed out, is multi-layered and influenced by authors and academics from several historical periods.

He went on to explain that early Sikh literature portray the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji as a highest ethical and spiritual ideal—an act carried out to safeguard societal harmony, religious freedom, and freedom of conscience—rather than just as a historical event. He asserts that Guru Sahib’s sacrifice has been crucial in forming India’s larger spiritual and cultural past.

During his presidential remarks, Vice Chancellor Prof. Raghavendra Prasad Tiwari thanked Prof. Mann for his thought-provoking talk. “Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s life and martyrdom will always inspire society to uphold the values of justice, courage, compassion, and the protection of the weak,” he stated. He continued by saying that these kinds of educational initiatives enhance the ethical and cultural awareness of society and deepen our understanding of Sikh heritage.

A formal vote of appreciation was given by Prof. Bawa Singh of the Department of South and Central Asian Studies to end the event. He expressed gratitude for the active involvement of the students, faculty, dignitaries, and keynote speaker.