A cultural event was organised by Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Regional Centre Ranchi in collaboration with Ranchi university to commemorate the 550th Birth Aniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, named on January 24, named Samagam.
Speaking on the occasion, Governor, Draupadi Murmu, who was the Chief Guest of the event said, “Peace, harmony, happiness are the mortal objects for people. We are thankful to Sikh community as the divinity and rationality they keep is quite inspiring. If students are taught ‘Ardas (prayer to God)’, they will get on the right track. The kind of disturbances in the country is painful to watch, therefore I would like to emphasize on the need of peace and knowledge that Gurunanak Dev brought on this Earth.”
“Gurunanak Dev worked for social cause and always asked his followers to work for the humanity. Serving the society was the only priority of Guru Nanak devji,” said Dr SN Munda, Vice- Chancellor of Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerjee University. He also discussed about the relevance of cultural studies and how important it is for students to imbibe the values of the saint.
A day-long program at Aryabhatta Auditorium, Ranchi University, included events such as painting, exhibition story-telling and quiz was organised. The sessions entailed discussions around the historical and political contribution of Guru Nanak Dev, significance of his teachings in contemporary India, the need to follow the principles advocated by him on social justice, equality and self-service, etc.
Chief Guest of the occasion was Governor Draupadi Murmu. Other’s who graced the event were Dr S.N Munda, VC of DSPMU, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Pandey, Vice Chancellor, Ranchi University, G.S Gill, Sikh Scholar, Ajay Kumar Mishra, Mithilesh Pandey, Poonam Anand etc.
“Communication is the key to spread the word of unity. Gurunanak Dev Ji believed in one God and stood against the caste and discrimination. Humans made caste and God has nothing to do with it. He believed in sovereignty and brotherhood,” said G.S Gill, lecturer and eminent Sikh Scholar. Emphasising on Women empowerment he said that no one has the power to disrespect women. She is the one who gave birth to eminent Kings and rulers.
The Chief Guest also thanked the PG Diploma students who took active interest in organising such program. Such events must take place in more numbers to encourage cultural teachings, she added.
Paintings, such as Sohrai, Tribal art, Gond art and sketching, were part of exhibition that took the attention of the visitors. School students took part in quiz and storytelling.
Dr Ramesh Kumar Pandey talked about the significance of values that Guru Nanak Devji, brought to people’s lives. “Each one of us should imbibe from the life and teachings of the saint,” he said.
