Date: 04 Dec 2025

Organised by Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi in collaboration with Centre for Independence and Partition Studies (CIPS), University of Delhi

A two-day workshop on the newly introduced Generic Elective paper titled “Sikh Martyrdom in Indian History (c.1500–1765)” was successfully organised on 3rd and 4th December 2025 at Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi, in collaboration with the Centre for Independence and Partition Studies (CIPS), University of Delhi. The workshop brought together faculty members from several reputed colleges of the University, including Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, Zakir Husain Delhi College, Janki Devi Memorial College, Lady Irwin College, Dayal Singh College, and Mata Sundri College for Women, creating an important academic platform where the makers and teachers of the syllabus engaged in direct and meaningful dialogue.

The inaugural session marked an impressive beginning to the workshop. The event was formally introduced by Prof. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Centre for Independence and Partition Studies, who outlined the vision and academic relevance of the workshop. The session was graced by the esteemed presence of Professor K. Ratnabali, Dean, Academic Affairs, University of Delhi, whose distinguished presence motivated the participants. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Jagbir Singh, Chancellor, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, whose address offered deep historical insights into Sikh martyrdom and its significance in Indian history. The special address was delivered By S. Tirlochan Singh, Chairman SGTB Khalsa College. Prof. Ravi Prakash Tekchandani, Chairperson, CIPS who chaired the session shared his valuable thoughts. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Harpreet Kaur, Principal, Mata Sundri College for Women.

The workshop followed a well-structured and syllabus-oriented academic format, with four focused sessions spread across two days to ensure that all major themes of the GE paper were discussed in depth. The sessions were chaired by senior academicians and were conducted by distinguished scholars working in the areas of Sikh history. The deliberations covered key issues related to Sikh martyrdom, state policies, resistance traditions, and spaces of devotion and valour. Each session concluded with interactive panel discussions, enabling faculty participants to actively engage with the scholars, share classroom experiences, and reflect on pedagogical approaches.

The valedictory session marked a powerful conclusion to the workshop. It was chaired by Prof. Ravinder Kumar, and the special address on the Martyrdom of the Sahibzadas and the Battle of Chamkaur was delivered by Prof. Charan Singh, CEO and Founder Director of eGrow Foundation. valedictory address was delivered by Prof. Manjit Singh, former Jathedar of Sri Akal Takhat Sahib, which left a deep impression on all participants. The workshop concluded with certificate distribution and a formal vote of thanks presented by Prof. Jyoti Trehan Sharma, Joint Director, Centre for Independence and Partition Studies.

The workshop stood out as a rare and meaningful academic convergence where those who framed the syllabus and those who teach it came together on a single platform. It offered in-depth engagement with historical interpretations, strengthened academic networking, and enhanced teaching methodologies for the effective implementation of the GE paper across the University of Delhi. The programme was widely appreciated for its academic rigor, structured design, and scholarly depth, making it a significant contribution to the study and teaching of Sikh history within the university system.