The Punjabi Month celebrations, organized by the Punjab Language Department to promote Punjabi language and culture, commenced today with a vibrant inaugural event at Bhasha Bhawan. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh attended as the chief guest, while Jaswant Singh Zafar, Director of the Language Department, presided over the function.
In his opening address, Dr. Balbir Singh expressed the Punjab government’s strong commitment to promoting the Punjabi language, highlighting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s personal dedication to this cause. He also announced plans to reclaim Bhasha Bhawan, currently occupied by another government department, to restore it as a cultural hub for literature enthusiasts.
Despite rapid digital advancements, Dr. Singh emphasized the enduring importance of books, describing them as an irreplaceable component of culture and human life. He encouraged parents to cultivate a love of reading among children, emphasizing the need to pass down Punjabi literary traditions to future generations.
To further support the Punjabi language initiative, Dr. Singh pledged to address ongoing staffing and technical issues within the Language Department, announcing the relocation of the NCC office from the Language Department premises to a newly designated site. This move aims to expand the department’s resources and support for Punjabi literature and language preservation.
As part of the celebrations, Dr. Singh inaugurated a book exhibition and raised a ceremonial flag, signaling the start of the month-long Punjabi Month festivities. A highlight of the event was the presentation of the Best Punjabi Literary Book Awards for the years 2021 through 2024, honoring 30 distinguished Punjabi writers for their contributions to literature.
The event was attended by several esteemed literary figures, including Pawan Harchandpuri, president of the Central Punjabi Writers’ Association; Atam Randhawa, president of the Punjab Sahitya Academy, Chandigarh; and Sarabjit Singh, president of the Punjabi Sahitya Academy, Ludhiana.
The audience was captivated by soulful Sufi performances from Anujot Kaur and Bikram Sangha, which enhanced the cultural ambiance of the event.
Two significant publications were unveiled during the ceremony: a special edition of the department’s magazine, Punjabi Duniya, dedicated to Dr. Surjit Patar, and a survey book titled Machhiwara Sahib by Raghveer Bharat.
Addressing the audience, Director Jaswant Singh Zafar provided an overview of the department’s recent achievements, ongoing initiatives, and the challenges it faces, particularly in relation to a shortage of technical staff and limited resources. He assured attendees of the department’s continued efforts to overcome these obstacles in support of Punjabi language and literature.
The Punjabi Month celebrations will continue throughout the month, featuring various events dedicated to promoting the Punjabi language, culture, and heritage.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
