Punjabi Pride Shines at PAU: International Mother Language Day Commemorated

Ludhiana, February 21, 2024: Amrik Singh Prince)

The International Mother Language Day, initially proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the UN General Assembly, was celebrated at Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana. The 2024 theme given by UNESCO, “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,” highlighted the significance of multilingual education policies in fostering inclusive education and preserving indigenous languages.

Graced by Mrs. Sakshi Sawhney (IAS), Deputy Commissioner, Ludhiana; Mr. Sandeep Rishi (IAS), Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Ludhiana; Dr Satbir Singh Gosal,  PAU Vice-Chancellor; and Dr. Rishi Pal Singh (IAS), Registrar PAU;  the celebration aimed to promote mother language, Punjabi. Many prominent personalities of Ludhiana and Officers of PAU were also present to mark the importance of the day. The programme was organized by Mr. Harpreet Sandhu, an eminent author and nature artist.

The Chief Guest, Mrs. Sakshi Sawhney, recommended initiating early schooling with the use of the home language, followed by a multilingual approach for enhanced proficiency in mother language education. This method starts with familiar concepts and progressively introduces new information, ensuring both global and local engagement with traditional and indigenous subjects. Labeling mother tongue as a preserver of cultural roots, she noted that direct translation between languages may not capture the essence of the source language. She gave the example of the phrase ‘Charhdi Kala’ in Punjabi which beautifully conveys the idea of ‘the rising spirit’ and ‘positive attitude’ unlike its literal translation in any other language.

in his remarks, Dr. S.S. Gosal emphasized the vital role of languages in promoting inclusion and achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Underscoring the importance of preserving languages as conduits for traditional knowledge and cultural heritage, he lamented the increasing threats faced by linguistic diversity and stressed that native languages enhance learning outcomes, self-esteem, and critical thinking skills. Dr. Gosal remarked that the mother tongue is a potent force for expediting learning, accentuating the need for multilingual education centered around the mother tongue. Expressing pride in the Punjabi language as a key element of identity and cultural heritage, he revealed the profound connection among Punjab, PAU, agriculture, and Punjabi, evident in PAU’s communication with stakeholders across various media platforms.

Mr. Sandeep Rishi laid accent on the strategic importance of languages for identity, communication, social integration, education, and development. He mentioned the threat posed by globalization to languages and urged a careful balance between using local languages in learning and providing access to global languages through education.

Dr. Rishi Pal Singh (IAS), Registrar PAU, cited UN statistics, underlined the role of language as an enabling tool for delivering information and knowledge in various contexts and advocated for the right to freedom of expression in one’s language. Dr. Singh voiced the need to raise children in an environment where Punjabi is the ordinary language of daily interaction.

Mr. Harpreet Sandhu underscored the profound importance of one’s mother tongue, highlighting it as the linguistic cradle that envelops a child from the moment of birth. This early immersion, he affirmed, holds a pivotal role in sculpting the intricate landscape of an individual’s emotions and thoughts.

In his welcome address, Dr. Narinder Pal Singh, Head, Department of Agricultural Journalism, Languages and Culture, acknowledged the irony of advocating for Punjabi in English and called for concerted efforts at the grassroots level to reverse the trend of language extinction. He urged the current generation not to be complicit in pushing Punjabi to extinction but to actively work towards its flourishing.

At the event, Mr. Harpreet Sandhu presented a documentary depicting the importance of mother language, Punjabi. The dignitaries were bestowed with shawls adorned with Punjabi alphabets and personalized nameplates. Additionally, they unveiled a brochure crafted by Mr. Harpreet Sandhu, illustrating the importance of International Mother Language Day. In the end, Dr Jagdish Kaur, Professor of Punjabi, thanked the participants in the celebration of mother language. The event was coordinated by Dr. Jagwinder Jodha, Editor, Punjabi, PAU.