Gross neglect of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Chair established in JU : Balvinder

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: Balvinder Singh, a prominent RTI activist and president of the Sikh Progressive Front, has expressed profound disappointment regarding the neglect of the Guru Nanak Dev Chair at Jammu University. Established with the approval of the Higher Education Department, the Chair was inaugurated on November 27 by Hon’ble LG Sh. Manoj Sinha, alongside Mahant Manjit Singh ji, aiming to promote Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s legacy.
Singh emphasized that the Chair was intended to foster research into Guru Nanak’s teachings, enhancing understanding of his contributions to spirituality, social justice, and interfaith dialogue. This initiative is crucial for preserving Sikh heritage and fostering harmony among diverse communities. However, revelations from an RTI filed at Jammu University paint a disheartening picture.
The RTI indicates that in the past four years, not a single rupee has been spent on research activities associated with the Chair. While Rs. 5 lakhs were sanctioned, only Rs. 2.5 lakhs have been released, with Rs. 1.5 lakhs spent on furniture and miscellaneous expenses, leaving Rs. 1 lakh unutilized. Additionally, no permanent Chair professor or research scholars have been appointed, representing a severe neglect of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings.
Singh noted a growing resentment among the Sikh community towards the LG administration and Jammu University, particularly over unfulfilled promises regarding the promotion of the Punjabi language.
Vacancies for essential faculty positions in the Punjabi Department have remained unaddressed for over a decade.
He has called for immediate action to rectify these issues, urging accountability from the involved authorities and stressing that the disrespect shown to the Chair is intolerable.