The 6th World Punjabi Conference courtesy Punjab Kala Parishad and World Punjabi Conference was inaugurated here today by the Speaker Punjab Vidhan Sabha Rana KP Singh Cultural Affairs and Tourism Minister, Punjab, Mr. Navjot Singh Sidhu. The conference would be held for 2 days.In the inaugural session at Law auditorium of the Panjab University, Rana KP Singh and Mr. Sidhu while exhorting all concerned to make joint efforts for development of Punjabi language asked the new generation to get connected to the rich cultural heritage of Punjab besides Punjabi language. The conference was initiated formally by lighting the ceremonial lamp.In his address, Rana KP Singh said that although Punjabi language is spread across the entire world but even now it is ignored from the point of view of job scenario and course curriculum. Many courses such as LLB, Science and I.T. are not being taught entirely in Punjabi. He also said that the aspects debated upon in the conference would be addressed only if intellectuals, linguistic experts, writers and social workers would get their act together.He also divulged that Punjabi language is today making its mark all over the globe and it cannot be associated with a particular region or community. Wherever the Punjabis have gone they have taken the Punjabi language along. He expressed strong hope that the deliberations by Punjabi language lovers in the conference would yield positive results. He also divulged that learning a language is very good but we must feel proud of our mother tongue Punjabi language and we all should contribute towards the propagation of the Punjabi language.
On the occasion, Mr. Sidhu exhorted all the institutions and personalities working on different platforms for Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiat to work unitedly and said that if coming generations remained ignorant of the Punjabi language then who would read great works of Punjabi writers and poets. He also divulged that we would have to make use of new techniques to get young generation hooked to Punjabi culture and history.
Calling eminent litterateurs and artists the treasure of Punjabi community, Mr. Sidhu batted for bringing places associated with the writers under literary tourism circuit. He further argued the case of observing birth anniversaries of famous Punjabi writers on a grand scale. He also added that a corpus fund be created all stakeholders to help prominent writers and artists in their tough times. He asked all the institutions connected with the Punjabi literature and language to take initiative in this regard and he himself would contribute Rs. 50 lakh in the fund.The minister further said that the Punjab Kala Parishad under the leadership of Dr. Surjit Patar would form a cultural parliament and associat villages, towns and cities with the cultural activities. He also divulged that the vulgarity and violent trend threatening our culture can only be stopped by undertaking quality cultural activities. He also expressed satisfaction over sale of books worth Rs. 1 crore in the 5 day book fair held at Punjabi University Patiala. He also divulged that he feels proud of being a Punjabi and exhorted people not to feel inferior while speaking Punjabi language. He also cited the devotion of the French people towards the French language. He also brought to light the fact that Mr. Balraj Sahni started writing in Punjabi language at the inspiration of Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore.
Earlier, the thanksgiving speech was delivered by the Chairman of the World Punjabi Conference Mr. H. S. Hanspal who made a case for writing Punjabi in first place on signboards at every business institutions, roads as well as the shops compulsorily. Satguru Udai Singh on the occasion said that we must feel proud on speaking in Punjabi.Dr. Surjit Patar in his address gave precious inputs laced with examples for development of Punjabi language. He also said that our priority should be to first have a command over our mother tongue and afterwards learn other languages. He also divulged that NRI Punjabis are more connected with the Punjabi language where as the people here in Punjab feel pride in conversing in English and Hindi. In the end Dr. Deepak Manmohan Singh thanked all the guests, delegates and writers participating in the conference and highlighted motives and the history of the conference. The stage was conducted superbly by Secretary General of the World Punjabi Conference Dr. Ravel Singh. In the inaugural session those included in the presiding panel were Vice Chancellor of the Panjab University Chandigarh Prof. Arun Grover, Vice Chancellor of the Punjabi University Patiala Prof. B.S. Ghuman and General Secretary of the Punjabi Jagriti Manch Mr. Satnam Manak.Those rewarded for contribution towards Punjabi language were Rana Jang Bahadur Goyal, Sukhi Bath, Iqbal Mahal and Amrit Kumari.On the occasion, Secretary General of the Punjab Kala Parishad Dr. Lakhwinder Singh Johal, President Punjabi Sahit Akademi Dr. Sukhdev Singh Sirsa, President Punjab Sahit Akademi Dr. Sarabjit Kaur Sohal, Head of the Punjabi Department Punjabi University Patiala Dr. Yograj Angrish, Baldev Singh Sadaknama, Gulzar Sandhu, Principal Sarwan Singh, Surinder Singh Tej, Sidhu Damdami, Pammi Bai, Sukhwinder Amrit, Nachhattar and Dr. Manmohan Singh were also present.