Prof. Prithipal Singh Kapur, a former pro-vice-chancellor at Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar, and a distinguished Sikh scholar and historian, passed away at the age of 91 after a brief illness. Throughout his life, Prof. Kapur made significant contributions to education and Sikhism. He was a respected educationist and served on various committees of the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the state government.
Prof. Kapur's scholarly pursuits were deeply rooted in Sikh history and religion. He conducted extensive research on Master Tara Singh, a prominent Sikh leader, and authored numerous books on Sikhism and religious scriptures. Notably, he served as the editor-in-chief of the Encyclopedia of Sikhism at Punjabi University, underscoring his commitment to preserving and disseminating Sikh knowledge. In recognition of his invaluable contributions to Sikh literature, Punjabi University awarded him a lifetime fellowship.
Prof. Kapur's passing evoked heartfelt tributes from various quarters. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed his condolences on social media and shared his grief over the loss of Prof. Kapur. The profound impact of Prof. Kapur's work on Sikh history and education was evident in the outpouring of condolences and remembrances.
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Beyond his academic achievements, Prof. Kapur also played a vital role in educational institutions and Sikh organizations. He served as the president of the Gujranwala Khalsa Educational Council in Ludhiana, which oversees institutions like GGN Khalsa College and GGN Institute of Management and Technology. Additionally, he held the position of principal at GGN Khalsa College for several years.
Prof. Kapur was not only an academic but also a politically active individual with significant associations in Sikh leadership circles. He maintained close ties with Gurcharan Singh Tohra, the former president of the Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee, and Harchand Singh Longowal. Prof. Kapur played a pivotal role in the signing of the Rajiv-Longowal Accord, demonstrating his involvement in significant political events within the Sikh community.
Dr. SP Singh, the former vice-chancellor of GNDU, paid tribute to Prof. Kapur, hailing him as the doyen of Sikh history and literature. KS Chawla, a senior journalist who was also a student of Prof. Kapur, praised him as an exceptional teacher. Principal Bahadur Singh remembered Prof. Kapur as a remarkable political analyst.
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Prof. Prithipal Singh Kapur's life was marked by a tireless dedication to education, Sikh scholarship, and active involvement in the Sikh community's political landscape. His passing leaves a void in the world of Sikh studies and education, but his legacy of excellence and commitment to his work will continue to inspire generations to come.
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