The two day International Khalsa College Global Punjabi Conference began today at Khalsa College Patiala with vibrant colors and enthusiasm. The conference has been dedicated to 550th Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Bhai Gobind Singh Longowal, President, Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Sri Amritsar Sahib, inaugurated the conference as Chief Guest. Various scholars and dignitaries from various states of India and from all over the world, attended this conference. The inaugural session of the conference was presided by S. Balwinder Singh Bhundar Member Parliament and the Key Note Speech was delivered by Padam Shree Dr. Surjeet Pattar. College Principal Dr. Dharminder Singh Ubha welcomed the eminent personalities and told about the theme of the conference. The Souvenir of the conference was released on this occasion. A book edited by Punjabi Department of the college Punjabi Bhasha Sthiki Ate Sambhavnavan was also released. The book includes selected papers presented during first Khalsa College Global Punjabi Conference. The conference began with the presentation of Punjabi Culture through 'Jaago'. S. Surjit Singh Rakhra, Honorary Secretary, College Governing Body thanked all the dignitaries.
During the inaugural session of the conference, Dr. Ratan Singh Jaggi was awarded Khalsa College Global Punjab Ratan Award-2019 for his valuable contribution to the field of literature. Khalsa College Global Punjab Gaurav Award-2019 was awarded to Principal Sarwan Singh for Literature and Sports, Dr. Gurnam Singh for Gurmat Sangeet, Prof. Gurbhajan Gill for Punjabi Literature, Dr. Satish Kumar Verma for Punjabi theatre and Dr. Vaneeta for Criticism, Translation and Punjabi Literature. Maan Punjab Da Award-2019 was presented to S. Darshan Singh Dhaliwal for promoting Punjabi Culture, Sr. S.P.S. Oberoi for the welfare of humanity at global level, Sri Rabinder Narayan for promoting Punjabi Lanuage and Culture at global level through the medium of media and S. Sukhi Baath for promoting Punjabi Language and culture in Canada.
Intellectuals, Authors and Media Professionals from India, U.S.A, Italy, Canada, UK, Norway, U.A.E, Russia and Dubai presented their views. More than hundred delegates presented their research papers during the conference.
Bhai Gobind Singh Longowal, President Shiromani Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Sri Amritsar Sahib said that Guru Nanak Dev Ji illuminated the world with his thoughts. His preachings should be followed to remove social evils from society. S. Surjit Singh Rakhra said, while addressing the audience that 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji is being celebrated all over the world. He thanked Almighty for His blessings on Khalsa College.
Dr. Surjit Pattar said in his Key note address that Punjabi Language needs to be promoted as a part of Punjabi Culture. The persons who achieved great success in this world always gave respect and preference to their mother tongue.
S. Balwinder Singh Bhundar said in his speech that values of Sikh Religion and Punjabi Culture have to be maintained by not only reading the bani of Sri Guru Granth Sahib but also by feeling love for the bani. The social evils like dowry system and drug addiction can be eradicated from the society by taking responsible actions.
College Principal Dr. Dharminder Singh Ubha said that the aim of conference is to spread the preaching of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and to promote Punjabi language, tradition and culture.
During the second session of the conference entitled "Pravaasi Sahit Chintan: Sthiti Ate Sambhavnavan", S. Sohinderbir Singh from U.S.A., Sri Vishal from Italy, S. Mohan Singh Gill from Canada, Sri Darshandhir from U.K., S. Jainail Singh Sekha from Canada, S. Harjinder Singh Sandhawalia from U.S.A. and S. Jagdish Singh from Norway shared their views on Punjabi People living in foreign countries.
During the afternoon session entitled Ik Sanvad Punjabi Media Sthiti Te Sarokar, S. Varinder Singh Walia, Editor Punjabi Jagran was presented as Chief Guest. S. Amarjit Singh Wraich, Director, A.I.R. Patiala gave his presidential speech and S. Randeep Singh Ahluwalia, Deputy Director, P.R. Punjab was present as Guest of Honour. The main speakers during the session were S. Narinderpal Singh Hundal, U.S.A., S. Baljit Singh Brar, Editor Punjab Times, Sri S. Ashok Bhora, U.S.A., S. Sukhmandar Singh Brar, Canada, Smt. Sherry Gourava, Web T.V. Jagbani, S. Kuldeep Singh, Sur-Sangam Radio, Canada. S. Harpreet Singh, Deputy Editor, P.T.C News conducted the session.
Prof. Jaspreet Kaur conducted the stage during the inaugural session. During the first session of the conference Prof. Paramjit Kaur thanked the guests and Dr. Pushpinder Kaur conducted the stage. During the session Dr. Davinder Singh conducted the proceedings and Dr. Jaswinder Singh thanked everyone present during the session