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Forgotten Chapter of Glorious History
Akal Purkh Ki Fauj all set to counter ‘Western onslaught’
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3HO Foundation’s super-health project gives new lease of
life to drug addicts
Drug manufacturers sore over imposition of excise tax on MRP
Rawalpindi’s Muslim tenant remembers his pre-Partition Sikh landlord Weekly Round-up
Encroachment at Nehru Shopping Complex has shopkeepers’
association fuming
Birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh celebrated
Computer centre for Maqboolpura
Vidya Mandir |
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Forgotten
Chapter of Glorious History Bhai Gurdas inscribed the first copy of the Guru Granth Sahib, but he is himself not remembered now.
Bhai Gurdas, who inscribed the first copy of Guru Granth Sahib under the supervision of his nephew, Guru Arjun Dev, is considered as a towering Hindi poet of the medieval period. However, the Sikh world, including Akal Takht and SGPC, has failed to acknowledge the contribution of Bhai Gurdas. Even the exact date or place of his birth still remains unclear. Regarded as the first interpreter of Gurbani, his writings are considered the key to understanding the holy scriptures of Sikhs. He wrote 40 vars (ballads) and 556 kabits (a form of Punjabi poetry). These writings are considered the best specimens of Sikh literature and philosophy. He spent many years in Varanasi, where he studied Sanskrit scriptures. He extensively visited Agra, Lucknow, Burhanpur, Rajasthan, Jammu and Chamba hills to preach Sikhism. Despite his great contribution to Sikhism and Hindi, Punjabi and Braj literature, he was not remembered during the quadri-centennial celebrations of the installation of Guru Granth Sahib. The Kashi Nagri Parcharni Sabha, Banaras, a renowned institute of Hindi literature, has prominently mentioned in its research reports the Hindi literature produced by Bhai Gurdas. It is said the Maharaja of Banaras became a follower of Bhai Gurdas and appreciated his scholarly work.
A big gurdwara in the memory of Bhai Gurdas has been raised in Varanasi, while no exclusive memorial has been constructed in Amritsar district where he spent most of his time. Only a hall of the SGPC complex has been named after Bhai Gurdas. No site of the Gurdwara Pipli Sahib (Putligarh), where Bhai Gurdas guided the Sikh Sangat, has been protected by the SGPC. Ironically, the SGPC has never observed any day to remember Bhai Gurdas, as there is no record about his date of birth or death, though he lived for 91 years. Jathedar Akal Takht, Giani Joginder Singh Vedanti, and SGPC Chief, Bibi Jagir Kaur, admitted that consensus has not been so far reached on the dates of the birth and the death of Bhai Gurdas. According to Dr H.S. Bedi, Senior Professor, Department of Hindi, Guru Nanak Dev University, Bhai Gurdas may have written more literature in Hindi and Braj, and this literature needs to be traced by scholars. In case proper research is done on Bhai Gurdas, the established literary myths would be broken. His writings are considered the best specimens of Sikh literature and philosophy. “He was a man of wide learning, especially in ancient texts and philosophy, and he devoted his exceptional talents to preach the Sikh faith. His poetry, now available in two volumes — Vara Bhai Gurdas and Kabitt Savaiyye — is sung along with Gurbani at holy congregations. Guru Arjun Dev put his seal of approval on it by designating it as the ‘key’ to the Holy Scripture,” explains Dr Bedi. Meanwhile, Jathedar, Akal Takht, has described the confusion about the date and place of birth of Bhai Gurdas as “most unfortunate”. Some historians claim that he was born in a Bhalla khatri family of Goindwal in 1608 Bikrami (1551 AD) and his father’s name was Ishar Das and mother’s name was Jivani. He was the nephew of the third Guru, Guru Amar Das. Other Sikh historians say that his father’s name was Bhai Datar Chand. The Gyan Ratnawli, published by SGPC, mentioned the year of his birth as 1603 Bikrami (1546 AD). The Sikh scholar, Bhai Veer Singh, claimed that the year of his birth was between 1600 Bikrami and 1610 Bikrami. He based this calculation on the references given by Gyan Singh and Bhai Santokh Singh. A history of Punjabi literature, written by Sant Singh Sekhon, and published by Punjabi University, Patiala, claims that Bhai Gurdas was born in 1551 AD in Gilwali village (now Guruwali), adjacent to Amritsar. When this correspondent went to Gilwali, villagers, including Sarpanch Balwinder Singh, denied that Gilwali was the birthplace of Bhai Gurdas. One Gurnam Singh of Dera Baba Sant Singh said he had never heard about this. Some of the historians mentioned Baserke (16 km from Amritsar) as the place where Bhai Gurdas was born. A visit to Baserke revealed that villagers had only heard about their village being the birthplace of Bhai Gurdas, but no one knew the exact location of his birthplace. During militancy, the villagers tried to build a gate to commemorate the memory of Bhai Gurdas. The gate still remains incomplete. Hardip Singh, a shopkeeper in the village, said all attempts to find the exact location of the birthplace of Bhai Gurdas had so far not borne any fruit.
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Akal Purkh Ki Fauj all set to counter ‘Western onslaught’ Influenced by the modern culture, many Sikh youths are giving up the tradition of tying turban. To counter the onslaught of the Western culture and persuade young Sikhs to tie turban, the Akal Purkh Ki Fauj (APKF) has chalked out a comprehensive year-long "Turban Pride Movement" programme. Mr Jaswinder Singh Advocate, member, Shiromani Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and Chief of the APKF, said that the year-long programme was also prepared to observe the 300 years of the martyrdom of Mata Gujri and Sahibzadas (sons) of Guru Gobind Singh. He said it would be a befitting tribute to the sacrifices of the young sahibzadas. The APKF has prepared at least six projects under the programme. The first project "Quami Dastarbandi Samagam" was organised on January 9 at Sant Singh Sukha Singh School, where as many as 21 Sikh youths were given lessons in tying turbans. The second project is about celebrating April 13 as the Sikh Dastar Divas. On this day, the Sikhs would be urged to wear saffron coloured headgear. The third project pertains to teaching Sikh tenets and history to youngsters. Under this project, 75 boys and 25 girls would be adopted. The APKKF would also open a turban clinic, in which Sikh youths would be trained in tying turbans that suit their faces. For this purpose, a special software has been developed. The fifth project is to crown Mr Singh International, who would be selected from all over the world. Mr Jaswinder Singh Advocate said that three selection centres would be opened at Kuala Lumpur, London and New York.
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3HO Foundation’s super-health project gives
Pawan Kumar The 90-day comprehensive treatment camp conducted by top American experts from the fields of Yoga, meditation and medicine included psychiatrists who helped patients to come out of the vicious drug cycle through continuous counselling. Ms Mukta Kaur Khalsa, the Commissioner of the 3HO who is heading the project, said that Harbhajan Singh Yogi had evolved the best of the Eastern culture. He had used the Western technology to develop the unique super-health project that had been rated high in the treatment programmes in the US. Over 500 families with suffering children and adults had approached them for a complete treatment to break the vicious drug cycle. The approach of the super-health project had been to use various established systems, including Kundalini Yoga, meditation, vegetarian diet, herbal and vitamin therapy, counselling and 'humanology' and massage therapy. The group that underwent this programme conducted by experts maintained a proper record of the group members so that they did not suffer from withdrawal symptoms. Ms Khalsa said that the programme had been accredited and accepted by the joint commission on the accreditation of the health care organisation of America. She added that the super-health programme was a blend of the best Yoga and meditation of the East and the West. She said the objective of the programme was to promote holistic health by removing physical, mental and spiritual blocks. She said Harbhajan Singh Yogi had been very keen to bring the project to India to help drug addicts here. Now, with the state government's approval, the programme had been launched here in October last year. She added that they planned to make a permanent base here for the team of experts to help train volunteers. |
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City prepares ‘threads’ to knit a From mid-January to mid-February, the clear blue skies over Punjab (and Lahore in Pakistan) come alive with gaiety and colour of paper kites - in all hues, shapes and sizes. Kite flying in Punjab is associated with Basant Panchami - the onset of spring, commonly known as Basant. The kite flying, which starts just before the Lohri festival, reaches its peak during the Basant celebrations, which also symbolise the major kite flying festival in Lahore. A large number of colourful kites in various shapes and sizes dot the blue sky. For those who feel tied up in knots, it is the time to "pick up threads" (dore) and fly colourful kites and see them soaring amid the white clouds. The holy city has emerged as the biggest kite and dore (special string) centre, where people from other parts of the country come to buy kites and dore, besides taking part in kite-flying competitions at various places both in the walled city and the Civil Line areas. The dore-making makeshift shops do a roaring business here. Hundreds of families are dependent for their livelihood on this business of making kites and strings. Sham Singh (70), one of the pioneers and oldest manufacturer of dore, has been in this business for the last 35 years. His son Jasbir Singh is a good help to him. During the off-season of kite-flying in the city, Sham Singh and other established dore-makers shifted their business to Jammu, where kite-flying is done in summer months. Similarly, Tilak Raj an old hand in making kites of different shapes, said that he made kites to suit all pockets. These kites were popularly known as guddas, patangs, paras, he added. Hazardous kite-flying
Kite-flying can be hazardous, especially for children who unmindful of dangers fly kites on terraces. A new trend of betting has added an ugly dimension to kite-flying. |
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Retired headmasters honoured
It was a special day for retired teachers. The 20 headmasters, who were honoured at a programme organised by the local headmasters' association, described the day as their life's finest time. These headmasters, who had retired during the last four years, said they were more than happy to receive the honours. The function was presided over by Mr Mohan Singh Cheema, District Education Officer (DEO). Mr O.P. Soni, Chairman, Punjab State Industries Development Corporation (PSIDC), was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Khajan Chand (Wadala Johal), Mr Tarsem Singh (Dhotian), Mr Umarjit Singh (Mehma), Ms Ajit Kaur (Ibban Kalan), Mr Shayam Sunder Rishi (Athwal), Ms Amarjit Kaur (Mannan Wala), Ms Harwinder Sehmi (Sheron), Ms Sarabjit Kaur (Mehlan Wala), Ms Upma Behl (Heer), Mr Inder Mohan Monga (Bhilowal Pacca), Ms Rajinder Kaur (Padhri Kalan), Ms Gurdeep Kaur Ghai (Khiala Kalan), Ms Kavita Arora (Mudhal), Ms Surjit Kaur (Chhajal Waddi), Mr Kulwant Singh (Toba), Mr Devidayal (Kayampur), Mr Gurdas Rishi (Wadala Bhittewidd), Ms Jagir Kaur (Uggar Aulakh), Ms Usha Verma (Gopalpura) and Ms Devinder Brar (Sohian khurd) were among those honoured. Mr Joginder Bharti, District President of the association stated this. Ms Usha Mehta, General Secretary of the association, highlighted the problems being faced by headmasters and schools. The association informed that of the total of 192 high schools in the district, 105 were running without heads. Mr O.P. Soni, while speaking on the occasion, appreciated the services of the retired heads and said he was happy to honour the personalities from whom he has learnt a lot during his school days. He assured that he would bring the problems to the notice of the state government. The association also honoured Mr Mohinder Singh Gohal, Mr Parminder Sood, Mr Avtar Singh and Mr Bishan Singh Chhapa, tehsil presidents of Tarn Taran, Patti, Ajnala and Amritsar, respectively, for their services towards the association. Mr Gulzar Singh Sidhu, Deputy DEO, and Mr Gurdev Singh, a social worker, too, were honoured. A cultural programme was presented by on the occasion.
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Drug manufacturers sore over imposition Amritsar drug manufacturers are sore over the new orders of the Central Government regarding the imposition of excise duty on the minimum retail price (MRP). They claim that the order could prove disastrous for the drug manufacturing units, which come under small-scale industry. The instant notification of imposing excise duty on MRP has given a drastic blow to the industry, which would be closed down leaving about a lakh of people unemployed and the prices of medicines would go up tremendously, putting extra burden on poor patients, claimed Mr Manjit Singh, president of the Amritsar Drug Manufacturers' Association. There are about 52 small-scale drug-manufacturing units in the holy city and approximately 290 units over all the state. These units manufacture generic products. Mr Manjit Singh said the quality of these products was similar to medicines prepared by big units. He said with this notification, 22 to 25 per cent medicines would become costly. He said the notification had given a blow to the already-sick industry, as most of the units were shifting to hill states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The governments of HP and J&K had given exemption of excise duty and other taxes to these industrial units. Earlier, most of textile and several other industrial units had shifted to hilly states owing to the governmental apathy. The government issued notification on January 7 and ordered its imposition from the next day (January 8), giving no time to industrialists to raise objections, said the association president. He alleged that the hurried implementation of the order showed the "malafide" intentions of the government. "The arbitrary notification, without consulting the persons concerned, was issued at the behest of multinational companies," he alleged. "The notification has also come as a bolt from the blue for over 25 lakh persons, who are associated with this trade directly or indirectly. The notification is contradictory to the drug price control order, packed commodity act as well as weight and measurement act," he added.
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Global demand for local chessboards If the city is famous for the Golden Temple in the spiritual sphere, its enterprising people have made it known all over the world as the manufacturing centre of chessboards and pieces. A large number of residents are unaware that locally manufactured chessboards and pieces are in great demand in countries like the USA, the UK, Germany, Italy, France, Spain, Australia and Canada. Amritsar exports chessboards and pieces worth over Rs 40 crore to these countries annually. Amritsar used to be a centre of producing wares made of ivory. The ivory work is as old as the holy city, which was established by the fourth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Ram Das. He brought 52 artisans from various parts of the country and settled them here. Chessboards and pieces began to be made of ivory a little before 1947. It is not that chessboard and pieces are made only here in India. In fact, different regions specialise in a particular variety. Varanasi is famous for producing chessboards and pieces made of stone, while Jaipur is noted for Ambavari chessboards and pieces made of wood. However, local chessboards and pieces are preferred in foreign countries for their finesse and beautiful carving. Mr Satnam Singh Jabbal, a manufacturer, said artistically-prepared 'horse' was in great demand overseas, as local artisans had gained mastery in making engraved horses. Earlier, chessboards and pieces used to be made largely of ivory. However, after the imposition of ban on the use of ivory by the Indian Government, ivory was replaced by camel bone. The majority of chessboards and pieces are made of wood. Mr Jabbal said that wood for the purpose was even brought from other states. Ebony and Rosewood were brought from Orissa, while Red Sandal was brought from Karnataka. About a dozen big manufacturing units and nearly 40 small units are engaged in this work. These units are located in different parts of the city, including Focal Point, Sultanwind Road, Tarn Taran Road, Dhapai Road and Chamrang Road. In the country, local chessboards and pieces find their way to Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Chennai and Bangalore. Keeping an eye on foreign customers, almost all traders have made websites to reach out to them. Increasing competitiveness and pace of development has forced the manufacturers to adopt machines. Recalling old days, Mr Jabbal said machines were first introduced in the early 1970s. Earlier, entire work used to be done manually, he added. Mr Jabbal said his father used to prepare chessboards and pieces manually in Lahore, and after the Partition, his family settled here. "At that time, there used to be only four to five houses engaged in the work," he said. He added that besides chessboards and pieces, they manufactured walking stick, smoke pipe, ivory jewellery, jewellery box and other such items. But now they prepared chessboards and pieces only. He rued that though the work came under "handicrafts", the government did not provide any incentive. He said they used to be given 15 per cent amount against the export of Rs 1 lakh, but the facility was withdrawn in early 1990s. Another manufacturer, Mr Harbhajan Singh, said the manufacturing of chessboards and pieces was passing through tough times these days. The cost of production had increased manifold, as most of the wood came from the southern states. He lamented that though the items came under "handicrafts", the Punjab Government had not done anything concrete to sell them in its handicraft centres. Expressing his anguish, Mr Harbhajan Singh said the Punjab Government was not helping effectively to facilitate the export of chessboards and pieces, which could boost the declining trade.
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Rawalpindi’s Muslim tenant remembers his
Sometimes, human sentiments transcend the regional and the temporal barriers. And this has been the case with a Muslim tenant of the pre-Partition days. The original rent deed, signed between a Sikh landlord and his Muslim tenant at Rawalpindi, a few days before the Partition, is now the prized possession of the UK-born Bhupinder Singh, who was in the city recently.
It was a chance meeting with Muslim brethren in one the busiest Sardaran Wala Bagh Chowk at Rawalpindi that Mr Bhupinder Singh came across this instance of human sentiments at their best. One of the men, Mohammad Hassan, who had been a tenant of Sikh landlord at Rawalpindi, told Mr Bhupinder Singh that he had been waiting for a Sikh to take away the original rent deed, which he had preserved since the time of the Partition. "This is my way of paying the debt to the Sikhs," the erstwhile tenant said. He added that he was "under debt"; he could not pay the rent mentioned in the deed, signed in 1947. "Sardarji never came back after the signing of the deed and I don't know what to do about the rent I owe him," he explained. The entire area, which is still called Sardaranwala Bagh (now converted into a big shopping complex) belonged to two brothers - Mohan Singh and Sohan Singh, he said. As per the rent deed, written in Persian script, the shop was rented out on Rs 7 per month to Mohammad Hassan. As an advance amount, Rs 35 had been taken. Two witnesses had also signed on the rent deed. Mohammad Hassan told Mr Bhupinder Singh that Sardaran Wala Bagh and Krishan Pura areas were dominated by Sikhs and Hindus those days. However, the Partition had compelled them to leave Rawalpindi. During his visit to Pakistan, Mr Bhupinder Singh also visited the Pakistani hill station Murri. "Unlike India, colonial buildings and scenic beauty of the hills and other parts of Pakistan have been preserved," says Mr Bhupinder Singh. He gives another interesting account of his visit to the office of the deputy commissioner, Shekhupura, near Nankana Sahib. "The deputy commissioner of Shekhupura was holding an open-darbar outside his office. Under the huge portrait of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, it was written - Nobody in the holy land of Guru Nanak tells a lie; they always speak the truth." He adds that he was impressed with the preservation of Sikh art and heritage in the fort of Maharaja Ranjit Singh. |
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Weekly Round-up Pawan Kumar The Amritsar Chemists' Association has decided to start "non-cooperation" with a private limited company and its product, as per the decision of the Punjab Chemists' Association. This was informed in a press statement issued by Mr Gursharan Singh, president, and Mr B.S. Anand, general secretary of the Amritsar Chemists' Association here. Sekhon selected 'Workman Director'
Mr Mohan Singh Sekhon, Punjab and Sind Bank Staff Officer, was selected "Workman Director of Punjab and Sind Bank". The All-India Punjab and Sind Bank Physically Handicapped Welfare Association has welcomed this step. The association thanked management for his selection. Self-employment scheme for women
Ms Ratna, Chairperson of the Punjab State Social Welfare Board, announced the launching of a programme to impart training of carpet-weaving to 2000 women folk for their self-employment at Uthia village. In a special function organised at this village, she urged residents of the village to pledge that they would not conduct sex determination test. Breaking all social and traditional barriers, the villagers celebrated the Lohri of a nine-month-old girl. Saloon and slimming centre opens
The Sylvie's Academy of Hair and Make-up opened here its branch - Sylvies Saloon and Slimming Centre. The branch was inaugurated by Sylvie, a renowned hair stylist. Talking to media persons, Sylvie said it was the fourth branch in the state. Earlier, the three branches were opened at Jalandhar, Ludhiana and Chandigarh. Ms Simi Gandhi, in-charge of the saloon here, said the saloon would offer services at affordable prices. Light and sound show
A light and sound show "Dastan-E-Shahdat" based on the life of Sahibzadas, Guru Teg Bahadur, Guru Gobind Singh, Guru Arjun Dev and many patriots was organised here this week. Mr Rajmohinder Singh Majathia, member, Rajya Sabha, who was the chief guest, announced a grant of Rs 2 lakh from his MP Local Area Development Fund for the school that hosted the programme. Meritorious students who had excelled in the field of science, sports and academics were given prizes by the chief guest. Ms Harinder Riar, Principal of the school, read out the school's annual report. Pensioners’
Association elects president
Mr Avtar Singh Afat has been unanimously elected as president of the Punjab State Pensioners and Senior Citizens' Welfare Association for the next two years in a delegate session held here. This was informed in a press release issued by Mr Kirpal Singh, convenor of the association. Flying 100 kites on single string
Syed Jammaludin Bhai Mian, the only Indian to have the record of flying more than 100 kites on a single string, presented his art by flying kites at a kite-flying show organised by the Spice Telecom here. A kite specialist from old Delhi, he has performed in various Indian cultural festivals held in France, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia and Bangladesh. UGC orientation training to upgrade skills
A group of 12 principals and teachers from various colleges visited the local BBK DAV College for Women and Khalsa College for orientation and training programme sponsored by the University Grant Commission (UGC). The programme was organised under the aegis of the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA). The coordinator of the training programme, Dr Kausar Wizarat, Deputy Director, higher education unit of the NIEPA, said the main objective of the three-day visit was to interact with local principals and study academic, vocational and professional courses available here in colleges. Dr Wizarat said the training and orientation programme was meant to upgrade the skills. |
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Encroachment at Nehru Shopping Complex Some shopkeepers have encroached upon the back lane of the Nehru Shopping Complex. Interestingly, a police chowki is situated in the complex. The Nehru Shopping Complex Association, in a letter to the Chairman, Amritsar Improvement Trust, Mr Jugal Kishore Sharma, with copies to Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh and Minister for Local Bodies, Choudhry Jagjit Singh, has complained about the encroachment. The association has also complained to the chowki in charge of the police post, but no action has been taken till date. The erring shopkeepers have erected illegal structure with girders and tin sheets, and constructed temporary rooms for preparing eatables. They have also damaged the property of the adjoining building, which is under construction. The association has urged the authorities to order immediate demolishing of the illegal structures. The association added that if strict action was not taken against such persons, others would also be encouraged to encroach upon government land.
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Birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh celebrated
Reciting of kirtan, reading of poems, and lectures on the life and the philosophy of Guru Gobind Singh marked the Ardas Diwas organised on the birth anniversary of the tenth Sikh Master at Sri Guru Harkrishan Senior Secondary Public School run by the Chief Khalsa Diwan (CKD). Master Amiteshawar Singh, a student of pre-nursery performed ardas for the development of the school and the progress of students of the school. Mr Tarlochan Singh, Chairman, National Minority Commission, was the chief guest on the occasion. Mr Charanjit Singh Chadda, President of the CKD, welcomed the participants. The meritorious students of class 10 and Plus Two were honoured on the occasion. Ms Thakurjit Kaur, Ms Gurmit Kaur, Ms Jasjit Kaur, Ms S.K. Chawla, Ms Rajdavinder Gill, Ms Gursharan Kaur and Ms Navjit Kaur — teachers of the school — were honoured on the occasion.
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Computer centre for Maqboolpura
Vidya Mandir
The Punjab State Social Welfare Board (PSSWB) has offered to establish a computer centre with a total outlay of Rs 4.80 lakh for students of Citizens' Forum Vidya Mandir located in the Maqboolpura area, on the outskirts of the city.
The Chairperson of the PSSWB, Ms Ratna, told this correspondent that she was deeply touched by the dedication of the founder of the school, Master Ajit Singh, who had donated his house to run the school for children of drug addicts. Master Ajit Singh said the school, with strength of 500 students, had been regularly funded by Dr Kiran Bedi's India Vision Foundation, Spring Dale Senior Secondary School and many local philanthropists. He added that in view of the uniqueness of the institution, large donations had been received from India and abroad. He said his aim was to educate the children of drug addicts, so that those children found a purpose in life and remained away from the menace of drugs. The board was willing to start a vocational training centre for widows in the locality, Ms Ratna said. "The women would be taught dari-making, carpet-weaving, milk-collection and other skills," she added. |
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“We must admit that injustice is being done to Bhai Gurdas. It is a challenge for Sikh scholars to find the exact date and place of his birth. There is a dire need for the SGPC to open an institute where research could be done on Bhai Gurdas, who is one of the greatest Sikh personalities. It is a pity that the scholars were not unanimous in their opinion about the volume of Guru Granth Sahib inscribed by Bhai Gurdasji.” 
“The Shiromani Committee would ask Sikh scholars to do research on Bhai Gurdas. He was the nephew of the third Sikh Master, Guru Amar Das, and the maternal uncle of Guru Arjun Dev. If Sikh scholars would be able to find about the date and place of his birth, the SGPC would immediately arrange for centenary celebrations of Bhai Gurdas.”
“It is imperative to establish a Chair in the name of Bhai Gurdas in some University. The discovery of literature authored by Bhai Gurdas would force a rewriting of the history of Hindi literature.
“It is most unfortunate that due honour has not been given to one of the most prolific writers of Punjabi and Hindi and Braj literature. Upset over the indifference attitude of the SGPC, the Kesh Sambhal Sanstha, a private organisation started celebrating the birth of Bhai Gurdas on August 15. The first volume of Guru Granth Sahib, inscribed by Bhai Gurdas, was completed on this date and hence the organisation decided to celebrate his birth on this date.”
