Amritsar, February 3: A 16-member high-level delegation from Belgium’s Louvain University, including professors, researchers, and students, visited the historic Khalsa College campus.
Warm Welcome
Pro-Chancellor of Khalsa University and Honorary Secretary of Khalsa College Governing Council, S. Ranjinder Mohan Singh Chhina, along with Principal Dr. Aatam Singh Randhawa, welcomed the delegation. Global Alumni Convener Dr. Davinder Singh Chhina facilitated the visit, with the group led by Dr. Bert Broekaert, Professor of World Religions.
Heritage Marvels
Established in 1892, the delegation was captivated by the priceless heritage building and Sikh History Research Centre’s invaluable artifacts, rare books, journals, and museum collections—spanning over 100 years. They admired the 300-acre campus famed for Indo-Saracenic architecture blending Sikh, Mughal, and colonial styles, symbolizing cultural dialogue over division.
Academic Exchange
The visitors engaged in brief discussions with faculty and students, expressing intent to study Punjab’s rich heritage, Sikh architecture, and history. Dr. Chhina highlighted the campus as a living archive witnessing British rule, reform movements, independence, Partition, and modern India—always a hub of education and service.
Future Collaboration
Principal Dr. Randhawa emphasized the Sikh History Research Centre’s pioneering role since the early 20th century in scientific Sikh historical study, offering vital resources on South Asian social-political history. He noted vast potential for academic ties with Louvain in archive studies, religious history, colonial/post-colonial research, and digital preservation of historic sources. The delegation included Nele Armond M., Jonathan, Isaie, Dagmar Eulalie R., Johan, Jennifer, Karel Filip Louis, Mary Agnes I., Netter-Jan Hendrick El, Axel Roger J.J., Grishja Gino C., Malis Christine H., Kate, Rik, and others.
