Respect for Heritage, Debate over Disposal
A major controversy has erupted at Punjabi University, Patiala, over the method of destroying error-ridden copies of the historic Mahan Kosh. While the administration attempted to bury the volumes, students intervened, demanding a more respectful ritual disposal (sanskar), given that the text also contains sacred Gurbani verses.
This incident has once again highlighted the deep emotional and cultural significance of Mahan Kosh, originally compiled by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha in 1930, and the responsibility institutions bear when handling such revered works.
? The debate isn’t just about correcting errors—it’s about how we preserve dignity while addressing mistakes in cultural and literary heritage.
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ਮੇਰਾ ਖ਼ਜ਼ਾਨਾ.... Mera Khazana
ਵਿਰਾਸਤ ਲਈ ਸਤਿਕਾਰ, ਨਸ਼ਟ ਕਰਨ ਦੇ ਤਰੀਕੇ ‘ਤੇ ਵਿਵਾਦ- ਕੀ ਇਹ ਤਰੀਕਾ ਸਹੀ ਹੈ ?
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Mahan Kosh – The Encyclopedia of Sikh & Punjabi Heritage
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Mahan Kosh, compiled by Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha and first published in 1930, is regarded as the first comprehensive encyclopedia of Sikh literature, history, and Punjabi language.
It contains explanations of nearly 80,000 Punjabi words, including references to Gurbani, Sikh scriptures, history, mythology, and general knowledge.
Written in Punjabi (Gurmukhi script), it was a pioneering scholarly work that became a cornerstone for Punjabi lexicography and Sikh studies.
Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, a renowned scholar and reformer, spent 14 years compiling this monumental work.
Often referred to as the “Treasure House of Knowledge”, it is considered an indispensable reference for students, researchers, and anyone interested in Sikh heritage and Punjabi culture.
Over the years, Mahan Kosh has been reprinted multiple times, with Punjabi University Patiala playing a key role. However, recent reprints have drawn criticism due to printing errors, sparking debates on how to handle such revered texts with dignity.
August 28, 2025
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Baljit Balli, Veteran Journalist, Editor-In-Chief, Babusahi News Network, Tirchhi Nazar Media
tirshinazar@gmail.com
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