PATIALA – Coffee table book ‘Ramgarhia Virasat’ written and edited by prominent Punjabi writer of Surrey (Canada) released by Dr. Arvind, Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University in a function held at Punjabi university, Patiala. While appreciating the efforts of S. Jaiteg Singh Anant, he said that if we remember the sacrifices of our ancestors, then our future can be bright. He further said developing the book culture, is the way to nation’s progress. The nation that respects their literature and history in their mother tongue, that nation will always progress by leaps and bounds. Ramgarhia community had not much properties & money but with their hard work, they have carved a niche in the Sikh Community. Guru Nanak raised his voice against the caste system but it is still prevalent in the society. He said that we need to follow Guru Nanak’s message in true spirit.
“Ramgarhia Virasat” book, published by Hardarshan Memorial International Trust, Canada in cooperation with Canadian Ramgarhia Society, Canada. It is the first book about the heritage of the Ramgarhia community. It has 450 coloured pics giving complete information about the prominent Ramgahria personalities.
Dr. Balkar Singh Director, World Punjabi Centre in his keynote address said that Sikh Missals have played a major role in uniting the Punjabis. Punjabis must take inspiration from the rich Ramgarhia Virasat. Ramgarhia Sikhs succeeded in their struggle as they had full faith in Sikh philosophy. This is the first illustrated coffee table book having coloured pics.
Karamjit Kaur, Director, Language dept. Punjab, Prof Balwinder Kaur, head, Regional Center, Bathinda, D.S Kapoor former principal, Govt. College of Arts, Chandigarh and Malkinder Kaur, head Guru Granth Sahib Deptt., Punjabi University also expressed their views. Dalip Singh Uppal recited a poem.
In his welcome address Ujagar Singh co-ordinator India chapter, Hardarshan Memorial International Trust, Canada welcomed Dr. Arvind Vice Chancellor on behalf of the Faculty, Punjabi University Patiala present there and on behalf of Surinder Singh Jabbal, President, Canadian Ramgarhia Society, Canada, Hardarshan Memorial International Trust, Canada and Dr Balkar Singh Director World, Punjabi Centre, Patiala. He read the letter of Surinder Singh Jabbal, President, Canadian Ramgarhia Society, Canada, announcing that one lakh rupees will be awarded to the students to do research work for Ph.D. on Jassa Singh Ramgarhia and Rs 25000 to the guide.
Jotinder Singh co-ordinator India chapter, Hardarshan Memorial International Trust, Canada presented vote of thanks to all the dignitaries sitting on the dais and off the dais and the guests present there on behalf of three organisations and Dr.Arvind, Vice Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala for releasing the book and expressing their views about the book. He thanked the honoured persons on the occasion – Karamjit Kaur Language Deptt. Punjab, DS Kapoor and prominent persons Rachpal Singh Gill retired Director, Language deptt, Punjab, Dr Jasbir Kaur Principal Gurmat college, Dr Kehar Singh, Prof Manjit Singh, Dr Gurmeet Singh, Dr Anwar Chirag, Darshan Singh Ashat, Rajwant Kaur, Professor Gurmukh Singh.