SGPC President demands withdrawal of decision to merge two departments
Amritsar, April 4:
Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) President Advocate Harjinder Singh Dhami raised strong objection to the decision of Punjabi University, Patiala (PUP) to merge the Department of Punjab Historical Studies in the university with the Department of History and demanded reconsideration on this issue.
He said the decision to merge both these departments taken in the recent meeting of the PUP’s syndicate is illogical and it will limit the vast possibilities of research.
“It is a step to destroy the Sikh heritage, especially the Department of Punjab Historical Studies, which is a symbol of Dr. Ganda Singh, the Sikh historian. Punjab’s history is related to the Sikhs and without the Department of Punjab Historical Studies, the research priorities of the history of this region would not be possible”, said Advocate Dhami.
SGPC President said that this decision is bound to affect the history and culture of Punjab which should be withdrawn immediately.
Advocate Dhami said that this decision of the university was surprising because instead of opening new departments to intensify the research work, it is abolishing the already existing departments. He said it is the need of the hour to expedite the research on the history of Punjab, its heritage, its religiosity, the message of humanity, the contribution of Punjabis and especially Sikhs to the country and it was only possible, if all departments concerned remain dynamic.
SGPC President said that Punjabi University, Patiala should reconsider the decision of merging the departments to preserve the history as well as maintain the existence of historical departments.