Prof. Puran Singh was a poet, a thinker, a scientist, and had a significant, lasting influence on Sikhi. Although he could not get published in India during his time, his genius still infused the Panth worldwide and just keeps on giving. In 2016, we introduced the wisdom of Prof. Puran Singh in our Thursday Thoughts on social media, and the overwhelming response steered us into organizing an event as well.

"Prof. Puran Singh was a genius of his times. His writings touch new heights of spiritual experiences in a powerful but simple language … When the world is by and large dissatisfied on account of inner spiritual hunger, we find that the mystic writings of Puran Singh serve as a soothing healer to the strife-torn humanity."

– Inni Kaur

The event is open to anyone who wishes to gain a deeper understanding of the eminence of Puran Singh. The following speakers and performers will also join us in commemoration:

Channpal Singh is our emcee for the event. He is also a founding member of Kaur and Singh Academy in Los Angeles, which focuses on igniting the flame of Sikhi to the next generation of Sikhs.

Inni Kaur will be speaking on the topic of Rebel & Radical: My Pitaji’s Protégé. Inni is an esteemed and passionate author, poet, and painter. She broadened her creative artistry into publishing a children’s book series Journey with the Gurus that was inspired by the life and teachings of Guru Nanak Sahib.

Prof. Hardev Singh Virk will introduce Puran Singh in his talk as An Amalgam of Science & Spirituality. Prof. Virk has published 390 research papers in diverse fields of his interest; 39 books, including Professor Puran Singh: Scientist, Poet & Philosopher; and 150 articles on Science Education & Science Policy in India.

Harinder Singh will present Prof. Puran Singh as A Global Sikh from the Panjab. Harinder is a thinker, educator, activist, and a co-founder of SikhRI as well as Panjab Digital Library. He holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, M.S. in Engineering Management, and M. Phil in Guru Granth Sahib.

Harleen Kaur will recite his Panjabi poem "ਪੰਜਾਬ ਦੀ ਅਹੀਰਨ ਇਕ ਗੋਹੇ ਥੱਪਦੀ”. Harleen Kaur has a bachelor’s degree in Hindustani Classical Music and is a founding member of the Kaur and Singh Academy in Los Angeles.

Maya Batra will enchant us with the verses from his poem Bride of the Sky. Maya is a singer, songwriter, music producer, and the executive director of VocalizeU Artist Intensives.

The event of celebrating the life and work of Prof. Puran Singh will take place on March 3, 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Fairmont Prep Academy

2200 W Sequoia Ave

Anaheim, CA 92801-3330

Parents are encouraged to invite their children who are currently in a stage of connecting with and building the foundational knowledge of their Sikh heritage. In praise of Prof. Puran Singh, SikhRI will also publish a booklet of Selected Writings of Puran Singh, which will be available on SikhRI website as well as Amazon, including a digital Kindle version.

“The man driving in the Coach refuses me bread,

The Sun-lit gates of Nature open and I enter,

Those eternal Cities of light, where begging perhaps is,

The highest Culmination of all true artistic and religious Conduct of man.”

– Puran Singh, My Begging Bowl

Join us in the celebration of Puran Singh’s incredible contributions to the literary world. The event is made possible by the generosity of Manpreet Kaur Chadha and Arinder Singh Chadha. Registration is open to everyone on SikhRI’s website. For any other questions please contact:

Khushwant Singh

khushwant.singh@sikhri.org

About Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI)

The Sikh Research Institute (SikhRI) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization with a mission to connect people with the teachings of Sikhi, and make them accessible and easy to digest, for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. By offering courses and seminars in a variety of mediums, SikhRI serves to strengthen the bonds of the Sikh community around the world.

www.sikhri.org

Contact: Sikh Research Institute

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