CHICAGO: A seminar was held at Palatine Public Library on Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha and his most authoritative reference book, “Gurshabad Ratnagar-Mahan Kosh.” It was organized by Thakar S Basati Refreshments were provided by Rajinder Kaur Basati.
Prof. Kulwant Singh Hundal apprised the elite audience about the life sketch of Bhai Kahan Singh Nabha as a scholar of Hindi, Persian, Sanskrit along with Punjabi languages, who wrote many books on Sikh Religion and philosophy.
Although Bhai Kahan Singh had no school education, yet he could recite many verses from Sikh scriptures Shri Guru Granth Sahib and Dasam Granth. Bhai Nabha helped Mr M A MacAuliffe write his 6 volumes on Sikh Religion. Mr MacAuliffe was so impressed that he gave copyrights of this book to Mr.Nabha. He also gave him one of his kothi to live in. Bhai K S Nabha used to term his citizenship as British Indian.
Baba Daljit Singh head of Nanaksar Sikh Temple in Rockford, Illinois described Mahan Kosh as unchallenged scripture in Sikh history. Bhai Sahib had an important post of Deputy Commissioner, Minister, Judge as well as an arbitrator in Nabha State. He apprised the audience that Bhai Sahib’ father was an administrator of “Gorhian Wala Gurdwara” in Nabha who could recite entire Shri Guru Granth Sahib orally. Baba ji explained the contribution to Sikh religion by citing quotations from various religious books.
Keynote speaker of the seminar was Dr.Madan Lal Hasiza,Siromany Gian Sahit Writer,former Director Language department Punjab. Although he is Doctorate in Nuclear Physics, yet the commitment and love of mother tongue Punjabi compelled him to pass Masters in Punjabi with Gold medal. Commenting on Mahan Kosh of which he was one of the members of team of its translation in English language, he informed that Mahan Kosh has collection of 64,263 entries containing a cherished source of knowledge and Gurmat,Gurbani, Sikh literature, Philosophy, history, culture, Hindu mythology, scriptures, music, Ayurved herbs, medicines, Sanskrit literature etc., showing thereby vision and hard work with selfless devotion of Bhai Sahib.
In other words this Encyclopedia can be termed as his miraculous creation. Dr Hasiza further said that it was realized that global scope of his cherished work globally reflected only if translated in English. Thus the project was handled by Punjabi University Patiala. He also informed the details the guidelines laid down by the advisory panels for translation of Mahan Kosh.Dr.Hasiza was one of the key translators for the project.
Dr.Roop Singh former Chief Secretary Shromany Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Amritsar from Punjab also spoke about the contribution of SGPC regarding publication of Sikh literature. He was also Chief Editor of Gurmat Parkash journal for many years. He mentioned he was so poor he did rolls (paid readings of Gurbani) to pay for his college. He always wanted to buy Mahan Kosh but couldn’t afford.
S Ranjit Singh Director In charge Culture at Chicago Consulate office also appreciated the efforts. He encouraged arranging these literary functions more regularly. He also suggested including new words into Encyclopedia without touching original character of the book. Prof Jaspal Singh from Punjab stressed that people need to stick to original teachings of Sikh philosophy. Prof.Darshan Singh Grewal from Milwaukee encouraged more seminars and said he learned a lot from today’ seminar. He appreciated the knowledge of speakers and efforts of organizers.
India Post News Service
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