Turn of the century Sikh Concerns and Responses

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Turn of the century

Sikh Concerns and Responses

Foreword
GURDEV SINGH, IAS (retd)
Dr Birendra Kaur, an enlightened writer, has done a commendable job of preparing this anthology comprising the editorials of the Abstracts of Sikh Studies and a number of other monographs written by the distinguished scholar Dr Kharak Singh. Editing a scholarly journal and writing its editorals is a very important and responsible function. Brilliant writing is difficult to sustain. These write-ups are rigorously balanced assessments of the subjects deftly appraised. Dr Kharak Singh did not demean the writing to which he brought so much passion, pain, adroitness and serene message. He was resolutely devoted to keep very high standard of the journal Abstracts of Sikh Studies. Always tenacious and savvy, he continued writing upto his last breath. To provide widest possible views on a subject, he encouraged scholars of various genres to contribute their write-ups to the journal. Dr Kharak Singh not only ensured quality of the contents of the journal, he worked hard and successfully to arrange financial support for the publication of the journal which did not seek insertion of commercial advertisements to keep it going. The Abstracts of Sikh Studies is consequently a purely scholarly, research journal carrying learned contributions of various hues. After putting the various articles in this compendium, Dr Birendra Kaur simply lets each write-up speak for itself, resisting the temptation to analyse and conclude. What results is an erudite snap-shot of learned pourings of eminent scholarship. This anthology provides valuable material in a compact form which will benefit the reader quite conveniently. It will also provide an opportunity to have an access to the lofty views and erudition of the great scholar Dr Kharak Singh who epitomized what it means to be a good human being and a blessed Sikh – a true follower of gurmat.Oct 18, 2008