Gyan Setu Think Tank in collaboration with the Department of History, Panjab University organized a one day seminar with the title – “Role of Punjabi Military Warriors & Relevance of Lessons From Their Campaigns” on 29th August, 2024. The seminar was organized at Golden Jubilee Hall, Panjab University, Chandigarh.
S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman, India’s National Commission for Minorities was the Chief Guest at the Seminar. Prof. Renu Vig, Vice Chancellor of Panjab University was the guest of honor ar the event. The Keynote speaker in the inaugural session was Prof. Jaswinder Singh, Vice Chancellor of Eternal University, Baru Sahib, Himachal Pradesh.
The seminar was highlighted in 4 sessions starting with inaugural session, followed by 2 panel discussion sessions and a valedictory session. The identity of Sikh Martyrdom and sacrifices was formed through decades. The whole session went beyond the concept of Sikhs and concentrated on the inclusiveness of the Punjabi with their military Consciousness.
In the inaugural session commenced with the theme introduction by Lt. Gen. K.J. Singh (retd.) , Convener, Gyan Setu Think Tank. S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura was the Chief Guest attended via virtual mode, Prof. Renu Vig (Vice Chancellor, Punjab University) has attended the session with sharing her insights on the theme of the seminar. Prof. Jaswinder Singh, Vice chancellor of Eternal University was the keynote speaker who briefly introduced the different themes and Dr. Jasbir
Singh (Chairperson), Department of History, Panjab University. This session ended with formal vote of thanks by Prof. Priyatosh Sharma, Department of History, Panjab University.
The first session chaired by Col. D.S. Cheema with panelists including Major General PJS Sandhu, Sh. Jashandeep kang, Prof. Sukhmani Bal Riar, Sh. Ashish Kaul discussed on themes like the role of Punjabi Journals, the recruitment of Punjabi’s in British Army, Guru Hargobind Singh and his battles, Sardar Baghel Singh, the Punjab under the British and their relations, Baba Bidi Chand, Zorawar Singh etc, enlightening the various areas and aspects among the audience.
The second session chaired by Lt. Gen. R.S. Sujlana (retd.) with panelists including Maj. General Raj Mehta (retd.), Brig. I. J. Singh (retd.), Lt. Gen. J.S. Cheema (retd.) and Sh. Gurpreet Singh highlighting the relevant of the lessons of the campaigns of the Punjabi and Sikh warriors with their significance in history and other disciplines.
The valedictory Session with Chief Guest S. Gurpreet Singh from SUN Foundation came up with new information imparted among the audience with its importance in the past and the present. The seminar was followed by the launch of T-Shirt of department of History. The seminar was concluded with formal vote of thanks by Dr. Ashish Kumar, Department of History, Panjab University. The seminar was attended by around 180 participants including Students, Research Scholars, faculty members, non-academicians from military background and bureaucrats from civil administration.
Detailed presentation by Maj. Gen. PJS Sandhu can be found here for those who missed the seminar.
