Punjab Outlook

Amritsar/Mumbai –Today marks a historic day for the Sikh community in Maharashtra. Taking a significant step towards educating the younger generation about the unique legacy of the Sikh Gurus and martyrs, the Government of Maharashtra has announced the inclusion of an elective course on Sikh Martyrdom (1500–1765) in the state curriculum. This course is being meticulously prepared by a team of scholars from Mumbai University. On the occasion of the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of ‘Hind Di Chadar’ Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, this initiative by the Maharashtra Government holds immense importance.
Sikh community leader Mr. Jaspal Singh Sidhu stated that under the leadership of Sant Giani Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa, Chief of Damdami Taksal and President of the Saints’ Society, the Sikh community of Maharashtra, along with the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy and an 11-member Sikh Coordination Committee, had appealed to Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis to include the unparalleled sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus and martyrs in the education curriculum. The request has been accepted, and the course will now be introduced in the curricula of schools, colleges, and universities across Maharashtra. Through this curriculum, students will gain detailed knowledge about the unique sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus and martyrs, as well as their immense contribution to the protection of human rights and religious freedom. This course will not only serve as a true tribute to Sikh heritage martyrs but will also inspire Maharashtra’s youth to strengthen their commitment to nation-building, sacrifice, and moral values.
In this regard, Mr. Jaspal Singh Sidhu further informed that, according to the information provided to Mr. Bal Malkit Singh, head of the Maharashtra Punjabi Sahitya Academy, Mumbai University Vice Chancellor Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni stated that the university fully supports the proposal of the Maharashtra Sikh community and Sahitya Academy. The syllabus for this elective course is being carefully designed by a team of scholars under the guidance of the Guru Gobind Singh Chair. Additionally, the university has announced its plan to establish a full-fledged Punjabi Department at its Kalina Campus, which will serve as a center for academic research on the Gurmukhi script, Punjabi language, literature, and history.
Leaders of the Maharashtra Sikh community and Punjabi Sahitya Academy, including Bal Malkit Singh, Jaspal Singh Sidhu, and Charandeep Happy Singh, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Chief Minister Mr. Devendra Fadnavis and Mumbai University head Prof. Ravindra Kulkarni for their generous encouragement and support in advancing this significant course. They emphasized that this initiative will not only honor the legacy of the Sikh Gurus and martyrs but also serve as a milestone in passing on India’s pluralistic history to the younger generations.