Chandigarh February 27, 2023
An Extension Lecture and Discussion on the title ‘Problems of the teachings of Gurbani and Issues of the translation of Bhakti Literature’ was organized by Shabad Vichar Manch and Department of Guru Nanak Sikh Studies, Panjab University Chandigarh.
In his welcome address, Prof. Gurpal Singh, Academic In-charge of the department said that Literature is core and base of any society. Literature makes human civilized. No society can survive without the literature. India is a rich and diverse in its literary heritage. Gurbani is a ultimate culmination of Indian literary treasure. Many languages, stories, ethos, morals, folk tales, history are inscribed into Gurbani.
The first speaker Dr. Kiranjit Kaur, HOD, Punjabi Dept SPN College Mukerian said that modern time and academy is multidisciplinary, multi faculty, competitive and co-existential in nature. She laid stress that Gurbani is a role model for humanity and a man can seek Guidance from Gurbani for their own daily problems. Gurbani is core of Indian ethos and civilization: morals and ethics.
The second Speaker Dr. Nidhi Sood, HOD, English Dept SPN College Mukerian said that translation is a very basic for today’s time and society; because a man can’t learn all the language. So we must be very careful in translation. Picking the words is very substantial and essential in translation; because a wrong word can destroy the very spirit of the original text. Intentions of Translators also affect the translation. Context, ethos, ethical concern, historicity and societal norms etc are also the components of translation work.
In his presidential remark, Professor Anju Suri, Dean Arts and former DCDC, said that both the speakers presented their ideas very briefly and deeply. Translation and interpretation of Gurbani is a comprehensive task in itself and the translation especially not only deals with the other world and other peoples but also creates cultural and universal ties between each other.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar from USOL, also expressed his views. Many scholars, guests and students participated in the discussion and Dr. Sukhwinder Singh gave a vote of thanks.
