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V-C hails Nirmal Samparda, compares it to Panj Piaras
Seminar at Punjab University calls for integrating the sect with mainstream Sikhism
WSN Network 

PATIALA: In remarks on an issue which  has not been discussed much within the Sikh community, Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Dr Jaspal Singh has hailed what he called "the unique contribution of the founders of Nirmal Samparda" and termed it as being "akin to Panj Piaras who offered their lives to Guru Gobind Singh ji during the creation of Khalsa Panth at Anandpur Sahib in 1699." 

The V-C was addressing the valedictory function of the two-day seminar on the "Contribution of Nirmal Samparda to Sikh Literature" at the University. Dr Jaspal Singh said during the difficult period of the rule of Emperor Aurangzeb who had banned Sanskrit and local religious practices and other languages, the founders of Nirmala Samparda studied these languages at Varanasi to acquire knowledge of Ancient religious traditions and myths for the benefit of the masses.

Besides the Emperor's `farmaan' (decree) against Sanskrit there were restrictions against reading and writing of the language by non-Brahmins, he added.

Eminent Sikh scholar Dr Balkar Singh said since Nirmal sect had built its `dera' (abodes) outside Punjab, it got alienated from the mainstream Sikhism.

Now the leaders of the sect should strive to extend their interaction with people of the state and bridge the gap with the Sikh followers, he said.

Dr Paramjit Singh read the message of Jodh Singh, the main organiser of the seminar, in which he said more such seminars would be organised in the various academic institutions throughout the country to make people aware about the contribution of Nirmala Samparda to Sikh literature.

Prominent Sikh scholar Dr Mohinder Kaur Gill said due to a wide base of knowledge, the sect's approach to the Sikh thought comes from the understanding of the wider perspective the Indian spiritual lore in totality. She said thus the sect could not integrate with the Sikh mainstream.

4 November  2009
 

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