International Conference Concludes with Call to Showcase Kurukshetra's Global Heritage
The three-day international conference titled 'Kurukshetra: Through the Ages' concluded at Kurukshetra University on Saturday, culminating in a powerful appeal to project the region's rich historical, cultural, and spiritual heritage onto the global stage. The event reinforced the university's pivotal role as a leading platform for academic discourse and historical research, while emphasizing the urgent need to position Kurukshetra prominently on the world's cultural and intellectual map.
Ministerial Address Highlights Spiritual Legacy and Farmer Initiatives
Addressing the valedictory session, Haryana's Animal Husbandry and Dairy Minister, Shyam Singh Rana, described Kurukshetra as an ancient land of sages and profound knowledge. He invoked the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, stating that the timeless message of duty, righteousness, and peace delivered on this sacred soil continues to guide humanity. Minister Rana also outlined various state initiatives aimed at supporting farmers, including significant infrastructure development and the implementation of digital systems such as crop registration and direct payment mechanisms to enhance agricultural efficiency.
Spiritual and Academic Perspectives on Global Promotion
Swami Gyananand emphasized the critical need to present Kurukshetra's spiritual and cultural legacy to a global audience, noting that its true essence can only be grasped through deeper engagement and personal experience. Guest of honour Bharat Bhushan Bharti remarked that India has historically served as a global centre of knowledge and possesses the potential to reclaim that esteemed position. He termed Kurukshetra the cultural capital of India and highlighted the university's instrumental role in preserving this invaluable legacy.
Historical Research and Civilizational Significance
In his presidential address, economist Satish stressed the paramount importance of rigorous historical research for the holistic development of the region. He observed that while many Western civilizations are relatively recent in origin, Kurukshetra's deep association with the epic Mahabharata establishes it as one of the world's oldest civilizational centres, deserving recognition on par with iconic cities like Rome and Mecca.
Detailed Analysis of Baba Banda Singh Bahadur's Campaign
A key highlight of the conference was the detailed historical analysis presented by Professor Amarjit Singh, Pro-Vice Chancellor of Desh Bhagat University, focusing on the armed resistance led by Baba Banda Singh Bahadur. He explained that, acting on the command of Guru Gobind Singh, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur launched a campaign in 1708 against oppressive Mughal rule to liberate the masses.
Beginning his journey from Nanded in October 1708, Baba Banda Singh Bahadur entered the Haryana region in 1709 and established his first military base at Sehroda near Samana. Professor Singh noted that Kurukshetra and Thanesar emerged as crucial strategic centres, with major operations coordinated from Thanesar. Citing historians such as Khafi Khan, Mohammad Qambar Khan, and William Irvine, he highlighted the active participation of local communities in the movement.
Following victories at Samana, Kaithal, and Thaska, Banda Singh Bahadur's forces advanced across the region, capturing Shahabad, Mustafabad, Kunjpura, Sadhaura, and Mukhlisgarh. After the decisive victory at Sirhind in May 1710, he established the first Sikh state, renaming Mukhlisgarh as Lohgarh and designating it as his capital.
Professor Singh underscored that the newly established state was characterized by two key features: the development of Sirhind and Thanesar as major administrative centres, and the elevation of individuals from marginalized communities to important positions, thereby promoting social equity. He emphasized that Banda Singh Bahadur's movement was not merely a political struggle but a broader moral and social crusade rooted in justice—values intrinsically associated with Kurukshetra.
Inspirational Legacy and Future Directions
Colonel Arun Vashisht described Kurukshetra as a land that continues to inspire spiritual thought and philosophical inquiry. The conference successfully reinforced Kurukshetra University's status as a premier institution for historical scholarship, while collectively advocating for enhanced global recognition of Kurukshetra's unparalleled heritage.
