A unique book titled ‘All one must know about the Sikh faith’, authored by Col (retd) Daljeet Singh Cheema and published by Abhishek Publications, Chandigarh was released on June 3 at the Chandigarh Press Club.
With this being Col Cheema’s 19th book, he has done pioneering work in guiding youth. He is a guest faculty at the National Centre of Good Governance, LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration), Mussoorie, where IAS officers receive training, besides being a part of many other universities and educational institutions. He is currently a Professor at Shoolini university, Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Recognising his intellectual achievements, he was awarded Panjab Rattan in 2008.
Eminent dignitaries who were the guests of honor included Gen V P Malik (Retd), AVSM,PVSM, former army chief; Madhav Kaushik, President National Sahitya Academy and Chairman Chandigarh Sahitya Academy; Professor (Dr) P K Khosla, Chancellor, Shoolini University; Vivek Atray, former IAS officer, well-known author, columnist and motivational speaker, and Roopinder Singh, former Senior Associate Editor, The Tribune.
As the compere, famous international poet Lily Swran, kept the audience glued to their seats with her exceptional oratory skills and sharp wit.
The event began on a soothing note of the mool mantar sung in the very melodious voice of Sunaini Sharma, well-known culture conservationist, daughter of Dolly Guleria and granddaughter of legendary nightingale of Punjab late Surinder Kaur.
In his opening remarks, Vivek Atray appreciated Col Cheema to have made an attempt to bring to light the message of love, compassion and peace of the Sikh faith.
Gen Malik spoke about the need of such a book in a strife-torn world of today. He said despite their small number, Sikhs have excelled in all aspects of human endeavor and shared his experience of commanding a battalion of Sikh soldiers.
Professor Khosla revealed certain unknown facts that make Sikhism a unique religion and why Sikhs all over the world are respected for their righteousness, integrity, humility, entrepreneurship, and of course the world-famous sewa and langar.
Later, Roopinder Singh and Col Cheema discussed the unique features of the book that make it a must-read for everyone who want to make the world a better place, particularly, the new generation which seems lost while seeking their real identity. The author felt that it was the responsibility of all who are trustees of their cultural and religious heritage to share it with the next generation .
Col Cheema had a special word of praise for the publishers, father-son duo of Bharat Bhushan and his talented actor son Vaibhav Mehndiratta for sharing the concept of spreading goodness and helping mankind become instruments of peace.
