Lucknow : A seminar was organized jointly by the Uttar Pradesh Punjabi Academy and National P.G. College on the theme “The Impact of Guru Nanak Dev and Sant Kabir’s Teachings on Indian Society”. Held on the college premises, the event brought together scholars and students to reflect on the profound influence of these revered spiritual figures on India’s social fabric.
The seminar began with Professor Ramkrishna, Head of the Hindi Department at National P.G. College, who welcomed the guests and introduced the lives and literary contributions of Guru Nanak Dev and Sant Kabir. He highlighted their roles in promoting harmony and challenging societal norms through their writings.
Dr. Manmeet Kaur Sodhi, Head of the Philosophy Department at Navyug Kanya Mahavidyalaya, shed light on the Sikh faith and the pivotal role played by Guru Nanak and subsequent Sikh Gurus. She emphasized how Guru Arjun Dev, the fifth Guru, established the Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru. Dr. Sodhi also spoke about Kabir’s literary influence and spiritual significance, drawing parallels between both saints.
Former faculty member of Lucknow University, Prof. Harishankar Mishra, elaborated on how Guru Nanak and Kabir fearlessly criticized social hypocrisy and religious pretensions through their poetry. He noted that during the so-called “Dark Ages”, their teachings brought about a wave of enlightenment and unity, helping society transcend hatred and divisions.
Presiding over the session was Prof. Surya Prasad Dixit, former Head of the Hindi Department at Lucknow University. In his address, he presented a comparative analysis of the literary works of Guru Nanak and Kabir. He highlighted Nanak’s emphasis on truth and cited Kabir’s famous saying, “Saanch barabar tap nahi” (No penance is greater than truth). Prof. Dixit also discussed Kabir’s Guru Govind, and pointed out that Guru Nanak too mentioned Guru Govind in his teachings.
Touching upon their extensive travels, he remarked that Kabir journeyed to Mecca, while Guru Nanak was one of the greatest travelers of his time. Both saints, he said, advocated against caste discrimination, gender inequality, religious orthodoxy, and social division, urging people to live a life of simplicity, humility, and spiritual devotion.
The seminar was conducted by Dr. Rashmisheel, a noted litterateur, while Arvind Narayan Mishra from the Punjabi Academy delivered the vote of thanks. The event saw enthusiastic participation from faculty members and a large number of students.
