Fatehgarh Sahib: The Punjabi Department of Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University, Fatehgarh Sahib, in collaboration with Bibekgarh Prakashan, organised a seminar and book launch dedicated to the 1984 Sikh Genocide on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at the university’s seminar hall.
The seminar featured a panel discussion on the book series ‘Sikh Nasalkushi Da Khura-Khoj’ (Tracing the Footprints of the Sikh Genocide). During the event, the third volume of the series, published by Bibekgarh Prakashan, was officially released. This volume documents the events that unfolded across Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand in November 1984.
Welcoming the guest scholars, Dr. Sikander Singh, Head of the Punjabi Department, stated that the violence was a coordinated sequence of events orchestrated through the complicity of the legislature, executive, and media. He added that authors are now uncovering these realities through such books.
Dr. Paramvir Singh, Head of the Sikh Encyclopedia Department at Punjabi University, Patiala, noted that the chapter of 1984 can never be erased from Sikh history. He emphasized that despite facing historical injustices, the spirit of Chardi Kala (eternal optimism) remains deeply rooted in the Sikh soul, and these books will serve as vital primary sources for future research.
Praising the deeply researched series, Dr. Gurmukh Singh, former Head of the Punjabi Department at Punjabi University, Patiala, highlighted the “politics of silence” that pervades academic and state institutions regarding these events. He noted that compiling oral histories is a crucial step that has broken the geographical myths surrounding the genocide. He also stressed the urgent need to document the widespread atrocities faced by women during the violence.
Author Gurjant Singh Bal thanked Bibekgarh Prakashan for publishing the volume. He shared the on-ground challenges he faced while gathering information and reflected on his journey of writing the series.
Delivering the presidential address, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Prit Pal Singh shared his sentiments regarding the 1984 genocide. Prof. Sukhwinder Singh Billing, Dean of Academic Affairs, attended as a special guest. The event concluded with Dr. Sikander Singh thanking the scholars, families, media, and attendees, and expressing his gratitude to Bibekgarh Prakashan for choosing the university for the book launch.
