Organizer:

Desh Bhagat University (Centre for South Asian Studies & Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages)

Date & Venue: 17 October, Mahapragya and APJ Abdul Kalam Seminar Halls, Mandi Gobindgarh

Participants:

Renowned historians, scholars, academicians from across India

Research Contributions:

39 papers presented on various facets of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s life

Keynote Speaker:

• Prof. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri (Executive Vice Chairman, Haryana Sahitya and Sanskriti Academy)
• Focus on three phases of Banda Singh Bahadur’s life
• Emphasis on under-researched middle phase and Persian sources

Special Address:

• Dr. Shiv Shankar Pahwa, President, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur Sikh Sampradaye (Bharat)
• Discussed spiritual transformation and divine encounter with Guru Gobind Singh
• Remarks by DBU Pro-Vice Chancellor: Prof. Amarjit Singh
• Highlighted symbolic transfer of sovereignty by Guru Gobind Singh to Banda Singh Bahadur

Valedictory Address:

• Prof. Dharmjit Singh (Vice Chancellor, Sant Baba Bhag Singh University)
• Stressed comparative study using Gurmukhi and Persian sources

Technical Sessions:

• Four concurrent sessions with lead lectures and scholarly discussions
• Chaired by Professors Jaspal Kaur, S.S. Sohal, and Daljit Singh
• Contributions by Prof. Balwinder Kaur Bhatti, Dr. Dharmvir, Dr. Suman Siwach, among others

Inaugural Ceremony:

Included lamp lighting, DBU anthem, and formal seminar theme introduction by Prof. Ram Singh Gurna

Notable Dignitaries Present:

Dr. Zora Singh, Dr. Tajinder Kaur, Dr. Harsh Sadawarti, senior faculty

Commitment to Research:

Renewed institutional support for historical research on national heroes

Seminar Closure:

National Anthem, seminar report by Prof. Ram Singh Gurna, and vote of thanks by Dr. Dharminder Singh

Desh Bhagat University, Mandi Gobindgarh, successfully hosted a National Seminar on “Banda Singh Bahadur: A Saga of Courage and Sacrifice” on October 17, bringing together esteemed historians, scholars, and academicians from across India. Organized under the aegis of the Centre for South Asian Studies and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Languages, the event featured 39 research paper presentations exploring various dimensions of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur’s life — from his military acumen and spiritual transformation to his administrative reforms and martyrdom. The keynote address by Prof. Kuldeep Chand Agnihotri urged scholars to revisit lesser-known phases of Banda Singh Bahadur’s life using Persian sources. Dr. Shiv Shankar Pahwa delved into his spiritual evolution after meeting Guru Gobind Singh, while Prof. Amarjit Singh emphasized the symbolic sovereignty granted to him by the Guru. The seminar included four technical sessions led by distinguished academics and saw rich academic discussions. The inaugural ceremony was marked by traditional rituals and welcoming of dignitaries, while the valedictory session reaffirmed DBU’s commitment to historical research. The event concluded with the national anthem, symbolizing a respectful homage to the legendary hero Banda Singh Bahadur.