GNDU proposes United Nations to Declare October 24 as “Day of Universal Conscience” in Honour of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ November 21,2025
In a historic and unprecedented step, Guru Nanak Dev University has formally proposed to the United Nations to designate October 24 (UN Foundation Day) as the “Day of Universal Conscience” in honour of the universal ethical legacy of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, the ninth Sikh Guru and the world’s most revered defender of freedom of conscience.
The proposal was officially conveyed through a detailed letter signed by Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, Guru Nanak Dev University and addressed to His Excellency António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Historic Academic Endorsement: The Amritsar Declaration Attached for UN Review
The proposal is backed by the Amritsar Declaration on Universal Conscience, unanimously adopted during the National Seminar on the Martyrdom of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, which was held at Guru Nanak Dev University during November 11–12, 2025. As many as 70 eminent scholars deliberated and endorsed the declaration, which was formally read and presented by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh.
The declaration—enclosed with the proposal—presents Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message of fearless compassion, articulated in his timeless verse:“To cause fear to none and to accept fear from none.”
Authorized Envoy to Personally Deliver the Proposal at UN Headquarters
To ensure the proposal reaches the UN Secretary-General directly, the Guru Nanak Dev University has authorized Jaspreet Singh, Attorney at Law (USA) and Professor of Eminence at the University, to personally submit the documents at the United Nations Headquarters, New York. This step marks a significant milestone—possibly the first time an Indian university has deputed an official representative to place such a moral-ethical proposal before the United Nations.
Letters Endorsed to India’s Highest Constitutional and Sikh Institutions
In keeping with the national significance of this initiative, GNDU has circulated the proposal and declaration to India’s key constitutional authorities, including President of India, Prime Minister of India, Governor of Punjab, Chief Minister of Punjab, Education Minister, Punjab and President, Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC). These endorsements reflect wide institutional support and recognition for the global relevance of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s message of freedom of conscience, human dignity, and universal well-being.
Why “Day of Universal Conscience”? GNDU’s Global Vision
The proposed “Day of Universal Conscience” seeks to promote universal ethics rooted in freedom of belief; honour Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s unparalleled sacrifice for human rights; inspire nations to uphold conscience-based decision-making; reaffirm the UN Charter’s principles of justice, equality, and human dignity; create an annual global reflection on moral courage, peace, and compassion
GNDU’s initiative places Punjab and India at the forefront of a global dialogue on conscience, ethics, and human rights.
Vice-Chancellor’s Statement
Speaking on the momentous proposal, Prof. (Dr.) Karamjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, expressed:“Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji’s supreme sacrifice for protecting the freedom of conscience of others stands as one of humanity’s greatest moral interventions. Recognizing October 24 as the ‘Day of Universal Conscience’ would honour his universal message and strengthen global commitment to ethical courage, human dignity, and peace.”
GNDU’s Growing Global Footprint
Founded on the principles of humanism, service, and universal fraternity, Guru Nanak Dev University continues to emerge as a leader in ethical, cultural, and international academic engagement. This landmark proposal to the United Nations underscores GNDU’s vision of contributing meaningfully to global conversations on peace, ethics, human rights, and moral leadership.
