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Deliberations Held During Seminar on Shah Mohammad at Khalsa College
Amritsar, November 13 (Pritam Singh) – The Punjabi scholars and experts who gathered at a seminar on `Shah Mohammad Da Jangnama; Jang Hind-Punjab Da’ at Khalsa College here today deliberated upon Punjab history, especially the rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. They said the writings of great writer of 18th century Shah Mohammad who is primary source of the Ranjit Singh’s rule, were relevant even today as he reflected upon socio-cultural aspect of Punjab then and many of those challenges are still staring into the face of Punjabi society. Noted Punjab Novelist Jaswant Singh Kanwal, known for his famous novels `Lahoo Dee Lo’ and `Jungle De Sher’ delved deep into historic wrong with Punjab and how Punjab had been facing various societal problems which needed to be addressed immediately. “Punjab was in trouble when Shah Mohammad wrote about its challenges and its society is still divided and facing challenges today’’, said he. The seminar was organized by Shah Mohammad memorial Trust in collaboration of department of Punjabi Studies of the College. Head department of Punjabi Studies, GNDU, Dr.HS Bhatia said that though Shah Mohammad was basically writer and not historian but his writings reflect upon the political, social and economic conditions of late 18th and early 19th century Punjab. Chief Guest at the seminar Varinder Singh Walia, Editor Punjabi Tribune meanwhile stated that Maharaja Ranjit Singh established a great rule, bringing unity of Punajb and giving the rule a secular outlook which could not be sustained due to his failure to choose successor. Principal Dr.Mehal Singh said Ranjit Singh’s rule was exemplary and writings of Shah Mohammad were the primary source of the history of the period. He along with Trust’s President Manjit Singh Bhoma and Prof.Sukhbir Singh welcomed and honoured the guest speakers. The other speakers who spoke on the occasion included Ludhiana based Punjabi scholar and poet Gurbhajjan Gill, Journalist Major Singh, who also raised questions about why visionary Maharja Ranjit Singh failed to appoint his suitable successor. Others present during the seminar included Atam Singh Randhawa, Dr.Sukhdev Singh, Davinder Kaur, Parminder Singh, Kuldeep Singh, Amarjit Walia were present.
