Fatehgarh Sahib: A special lecture on the life and contribution of Shaheed Jaswant Singh Khalra, a prominent defender of human rights, was organised at Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib. The event was organised by the Centre for Heritage Knowledge Management, with Gurmeet Kaur, author of The Valiant: Jaswant Singh Khalra and a renowned narrator, as the keynote speaker.
Presiding over the event, Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Prit Pal Singh said that Bhai Jaswant Singh Khalra’s struggle was rooted in the protection of the Sikh principles of equality and freedom. He stated that human rights are a matter of immense significance at the international level and that safeguarding human rights is essential for preserving the dignity, self-respect and traditions of any society.
Speaking on the occasion, keynote speaker Gurmeet Kaur said that Jaswant Singh Khalra not only worked for the rights of Sikh youth but also documented cases of police atrocities against Hindu youth as part of his research and documentation. She further highlighted his valuable contribution towards protecting the rights of women, Dalits and working-class people.
Prof. (Dr.) Sukhwinder Singh Billing, Dean Academic Affairs and special guest at the event, said that true justice for the work undertaken by Jaswant Singh Khalra would be achieved only when those responsible are duly punished and the victims are given their rightful justice and rights.
Dr. Hardev Singh, Convener, Centre for Heritage Knowledge Management and Dean, Faculty of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Studies, while outlining the theme and purpose of the event, said that it is essential to engage with Punjab’s genuine social concerns within the academic sphere so that a balanced and informed perspective on these issues can be developed.
Dean Research Prof. (Dr.) Navdeep Kaur thanked the distinguished speaker, guests and audience and described the discussion as meaningful. She congratulated the organisers and said that academic engagement with such important issues is the need of the hour.
Dr. Palwinder Kaur, Assistant Professor, Department of Religious Studies, served as the stage secretary during the event. Among others present on the occasion were Dr. Khushal Singh, Secretary, Kendri Sri Guru Singh Sabha, Chandigarh; Sikh scholar Rajwinder Singh Rahi; Satnam Singh of Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle; Director IQAC Dr. Ankdeep Kaur Attwal; Dean Student Welfare Dr. Sikandar Singh; Deputy Registrar Jagjit Singh; Head, Department of Political Science, Dr. Ramandeep Kaur; In-charge, Department of History, Dr. Jaspreet Kaur; Head, Department of Physical Education, Dr. Varinder Singh Bhullar; and Public Relations Officer Jaspreet Kaur.
