PR – PAU CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL MOTHER TONGUE DAY
LUDHIANA, FEBRUARY 21:(Amrik Saggu)
Commemorating International Mother Tongue Day on Wednesday, the Young Writers’ Association of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), organized a programme entitled “Vidhyarthi Kavi Darbar ate Hor Rang” to stimulate the youths to develop a deep connection with their native dialect – Punjabi. More than 20 students gripped the audience with their self-composed poetic verses, calling for respecting their mother tongue – Punjabi, especially, in the times when multiple dialects were in trend.
A renowned Producer and Director of Canadian radio and TV channel “Punjabi Lehran,” Sardar Satinder Pal Singh was the chief guest. Having worked with great perseverance for the welfare of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat on the foreign land, Toronto-based Sardar Satinder Pal Singh called for preserving and celebrating Punjabi tradition, culture and language to keep the momentum alive. Punjabi language is the first preference of Punjabis across the state and off shores, he divulged, while asking the young to promote their mother tongue with zeal.
While welcoming the dignitaries and the enthusiastic participation of the students, Dr Devinder Kaur Kocher, President of the Association and Professor of Zoology, underlined the Punjabi dialect’s significance with the verse “Apna Faraz Pehchaniye, Ma Boli da Nig Maniye (Enjoy the warmth of mother tongue amid unflinching respect by the young).” Although linguistic diversity persists, yet one should not forget its strong bond with Punjabi, a vernacular language that helps converse diverse thoughts and ideas in daily life, she observed.
Dr Nirmal Jaura, Director Students’ Welfare, said, “In the contemporary times of multilingual culture, it was vital to motivate the youths to embrace and work with high spirits for the promotion of Punjabi language.”
On the occasion, a book entitled “Punjab Khetibadi – Roshan Bhavikh di Roop Rekha” was distributed among the students as blessing by the elders. This book has been authored by Dr MS Bajwa, former Dean, College of Agriculture, and Dr IM Chibba, Senior Soil Chemist (retd.), who have contributed enormously to agriculture via their 38 and 36 years of long service at PAU, respectively.
Dr Jaswinder Kaur Brar, Incharge, Cultural Activities, proposed a vote of thanks. Later, theatrical monologue, games and quiz competition were held to entertain the audience.
