AMRITSAR, NOV 6 — A literary contribution documenting the historical journey and conservation of Sikh heritage was presented at Guru Nanak Dev University with the launch of Gurdwara Sri Lakhpat Sahib: Sewa and Sambhal, authored by Rajya Sabha MP Satnam Singh Sandhu.
The book details the history of Gurdwara Sri Lakhpat Sahib in Gujarat, a revered site located near the international border. Recognized globally with a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for heritage conservation, the shrine stands as a testament to perseverance, having been lovingly restored to its historic character after facing severe damage from two major earthquakes.
Speaking on the occasion, Singh Sahib Giani Raghbir Singh, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, maintained that documenting such historical significance represents a major milestone for the community.
He commended the entire Sangat for their dedicated efforts in maintaining the original aesthetics of the shrine, asserting that the sacred tradition of sewa must always honor historic authenticity.
Echoing these thoughts, former Acting Jathedar of Sri Akal Takht Sahib, Singh Sahib Prof. Manjit Singh, declared that the publication would motivate youth across the world to explore and cherish Sikh history. He maintained that families bearing faith in the Gurus would find great spiritual enrichment in its pages.
Distinguished speakers affirmed that the work provides a vital bridge for posterity to appreciate how deep and far-reaching the travels of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji were, ensuring that the legacy of these sanctified spaces endures for ages to come.
“Over 600 of our most prestigious heritage sites lie across the border in Pakistan, where their condition remains concerning and beyond our immediate reach. This makes preserving the Sikh heritage sites accessible to us an urgent responsibility,” Satnam Sigh Sandhu said during the event.
“Satnam Singh Sandhu deserves heartfelt congratulations for his meaningful contribution to preserving Sikh heritage. Reading this work reminds us of the legacy of historians like Giani Gian Singh, Dr. Ganda Singh, and Professor Kartar Singh, who traveled far and wide to record our history. From Chittorgarh to Paonta Sahib, and in countless villages, there are sanctified sites whose names remain largely unrecorded—it is vital that we make every effort to discover and cherish our history,” stated Bhai Mohkam Singh.
