Relevance and Various Functions

The Tenth Guru of the Sikhs, Sh. Guru Gobind Singh figures in word history as a great leader of men, a versatile genius, a fearless revolutionary warrior, an adept strategist, a powerful poet and a patron of poets, and all-sacrificing martyr for the cause of suffering and presecuted humanity. The significance of the teachings of Sh. Guru Gobind Singh is not limited to a particular religion or region only, but is a matter of historic and international importance. He is not only protected the glorious cultural heritage of India, but also introduced new innovations pertaining to social change and social transformation and a universal value pattern through his unique and practical philosophy of life.

Sikhism is one of the most prominent religious traditions of medieval India whose strength lies in the traditions and institutions introduced by the Gurus, starting with the first Guru, Sh. Guru Nanak(1469-1539) and culminating with the Tenth Guru, Sh. Guru Gobind Singh(1666-1708). Basically, Sikh religion is an organised collective institution of devotion to Supreme Reality(Truth) through service of humanity. It gives the individual disciple a broad vision to see life in its true prospective and to act righteously.

in Sikhism, society is the centre of moral and creative action, The Sikh Gurus realised that a true religion has to be developed on such a platform where multi-religious, multi-lingual, multi-racial groups and people of different creeds, race and geographical areas mingle with each other and positively interact with one another for the protection of their basic human rights. Therefore, the Holy Scripture of the Sikhs, Sri Guru Granth Sahib uses interfaith language and promotes co-operation between people of different faiths. This Holy Book strongly advocates the creation of a spirit of integration and harmony in a pluralistic society and portrays an earnest desire to pray for the welfare of the global society (sarbat da bhala’) thus creating a feeling of international brotherhood.

Sh. Guru Gobind Singh embodied these basic tenets of Sikh philosophy, A deep probe into the central theme of his writings explores the unity of monotheism which transcends the plurality. He placed literary activity in the forefront of his programme of national reconstruction. Sh. Guru Gobind Singh translated classical and ancient stories of Indian heroes as found in Puranas, the Ramayan and the Mahabharta into a vernacular language. His famous compositions are Jaap Sahib, Akal Ustat, Bachitra Natak, Chandi Charitra (Var Sri Bhagauti Ji Ki), Khalsa Mahima, Zafarnama and Hikayat. Under his patronage a considerable number of literature was composed at his court. The keynote of his vast literature, freedom from

Central University of Punjab is situated in the Malwa belt of Punjab where Sh. Guru Gobind Singh spent a considerable time and got prepared the full version of Guru Granth Sahib known as Damdama Sahib wali Bir. It is also in this area, that he recollected his own writings which were subsequently put together by Bhai Mani Singh and entitled as Dasven Patshah ka Granth or Dasam Granth. On account of the intense literary activities, Talwandi Sabo near Bathinda became a great seat of learning and earned the title of Guru Ki Kashi.Therefore, the Central University of Punjab has established Sh. Guru Gobind Singh Chair for the study of the life, teachings and contributions of the tenth guru.

Chair Professor

To achieve the objectives and goals of this chair Central University of Punjab has appointed Dr. Harpal Singh Pannu as Professor Chairperson. He served Punjabi University of Patiala for 37 Years before joining Central University of Punjab. He was Dean Research, Head of the Department and Director UGC Centres.