HT Correspondent

letterschd@hindustantimes.com

AMRITSAR : :  spiritual leader Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, on Sunday, stated that the knowledge and wisdom spread by Guru Nanak makes for the sixth river of the state which is known for the land of five rivers.

He was addressing an event held on the golden jubilee of Guru Nanak Dev University at Dashmesh auditorium here. Academicians, scholars, students and eminent personalities participated in these celebrations at various venues in the University campus.

Sri Sri said the contribution of Punjab in the existence of Bharat could not be denied. “Punjab is land of five rivers but its sixth river is the river of wisdom and knowledge which began to flow when, 550 years ago, Guru Nanak blessed this land,” he pointed out. He said Guru Nanak gave the message of oneness as a time when evils such as casteism, gender inequality and degraded values prevailed. Scientists are struggling to find today was preached by Guru Nanak many years ago.”

He said that instead of searching for peace one should meditate for a couple of minutes every day for the mind to reconnect with the soul and become one.

“Irrespective of social differences in religion one should search peace in their consciousness. Guru Nanak brought wisdom into experience while living a social life,” he added.

On the occasion, Chiranjiv Singh, former ambassador of India, UNESCO-Paris, also delivered an academic lecture. “In the modern era of Google, a teacher’s biggest challenge is to impart education, be the real architect of a new generation and build the personality of modern citizens. So I advise teachers to identify their roles as to how they will do the needful while maintaining teacher-student relationship,” he said.

On the occasion, the folklore exhibition and painting exhibition were the main attractions. In the evening, special kirtan darbar (congregation) at the University gurdwara was held followed by langar.