Create Sikh Heritage Fund for Conservation of Sikh Architecture’

Chandigarh, September 21, 2021: Sikh institutions, businessmen, and government organisations should join hands together to create a Sikh Heritage Fund on the pattern of World Heritage Fund to undertake research, publication, documentation and conservation of Sikh Architecture and heritage. These were the observations of experts at the three-part virtual International Symposium on Sikh Architecture, which concluded here today.

The theme of the symposium was Contemporary Architecture and was organised by Saakaar Foundation. Architect Ramneek Gharial gave the opening remarks. Welcome address was delivered by architect Deepika Sharma. Dr Atul Singla, Dean, Lovely School of Architecture and Design gave the introduction of the symposium theme. World Famous Architect, Moshe Safdie’s stunning presentation on his famous project Khalsa Heritage Complex, Anandpur sahib was enlightening.

Dr. Jyoti Pandey Sharma who is Professor at School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi, spoke on “Modernizing Colonial Punjab”. She said, “Set against the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing colonial Punjab, this talk examines the architectural exploits of the ruler of Kapurthala state, Maharaja Jagatjit Singh Ji. It focusses on a mosque built by the Sikh patron for his Muslim subjects demonstrating a feisty spirit of humanism. Kapurthala’s Jami Masjid bears testimony to its patron’s egalitarianism that was truly exceptional for its time”.

“Sacred Architecture of Gurudwaras” was the topic of talk given by Maharashtra-based, Dr Kirti Bhonsle and Architect Kuldeep Kaur Bhatia. They deliberated on architecture of various modern Gurudwaras around the world.

Last presentation was by Prof. Charanjit Singh Shah from New Delhi who designed prestigious project of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor. He said, “Dera Baba Nanak Kartarpur Complex is dedicated to Guru Nanak’s mission based on ‘Khanda’, indicating Peace, Harmony and Universal Oneness. The holistic approach of integrating art, architecture, interior, display and landscape gives life to the dead brick and concrete and makes the environment lively and puts soul in architecture. The Sikh Art and Architecture is being experienced as a travel journey of 550 years of Guru Nanak Dev ji and the Sikhs.

Architect, Surinder Bahga, Founder, Saakaar Foundation, while summing up the discussions in three sessions, said, “All experts were of the view that we need to stress on creating Sikh Heritage Fund to undertake research, publication, documentation and conservation of Sikh Architecture and heritage. We would take up the issue with businessmen, Sikh organisations and different governments”.

Concluding remarks were given by Dr Aarti Grover, Associate professor and Head of Landscape Architecture Department at School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. She said, Contemporary Sikh Architecture is adapting to new technologies, new materials and new living styles.

Architect Jaskeerat Singh presented a vote of thanks. About 750 professionals and students attended the symposium. It is pertinent to mention here that eight architecture schools and universities of North India collaborated in this initiative, besides some national level organizations like The Sikh Chamber of Commerce, Indian Institute of Architects – Chandigarh and Punjab Chapters, Fire and Security Association of India, ASSOCHAM GEM, Ashrae, etc.