Punjabi language is being propagated with far reaching consequences in Punjab. A campaign is being planned in such a manner that Punjabi percolates down into the hearts of people.
The Minister for Higher Education and Languages Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer said while presiding over a state level function held at local school here to commemorate 300 years of birth of the Great Qissakaar Waris Shah.
He said that Punjabi should be the language of emotion and expression of every Punjabi person so that it is propagated as far as possible. He added that taking an initiative the state government has directed departments, boards, corporations etc to ensure that names, sign boards and other official work is done in Punjabi language.
The Minister said that he would himself work towards the propagation of language wherein he will approach the private institutes and other establishments to use Punjabi first at least in the name plates of respective organizations. After Punjabi they can use any second language.
He added that taking an initiative the Punjab government has dedicated a budget of Rs 30 crores for setting up libraries at the district level. At Barnala popularly known as Sahit Da Mecca - Mecca of Literature a modern library will be dedicated to the litterateurs of Barnala.
MLA Labh Singh Ugoke said that only those societies can progress in true terms that respect their Mother Tongue. Renowned Punjabi author Om Prakash Gasso said that Waris Shah was a light house of knowledge and that such lighthouses are bereft of any cast or creed. Shiromani Punjabi critic Dr. Surjit Singh Bhatti talked about unknown aspects of Waris Shah's life and Heer. Jagraj Singh Dhaula sang Heer.
Director of the languages department Virpal Kaur said that the languages department was implementing all rules mentioned under Punjab Official Laguage (amendment) Act 2008. She added that the languages department has taken up initiative or celebrating 300 years of Waris Shah under which programs are being held at various districts.
Meanwhile, The team of Kirti Kirpal presented play Waris Shah. Deputy Commissioner Barnala Dr. Harish Nayar, ADC Paramvir Singh, Deputy Director languages deptt Pritpal Kaur, Harbhjan Kaur, Satnam Singh and Amarinder Singh assistant director, district language officer Sukhwinder Singh Gurm, District Research Officer Binder Singh Khudi Kalan and writers were present.
Chandigarh and Punjab University are our heritage: Meet Hayer
S. Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayar said that Chief Minister Mr. Bhagwant Mann led Punjab Government has clear stand regarding Chandigarh, Punjab University and Punjabi speaking areas. These are our heritage, he added.
Language department’s two books released
On this occasion, two books of the language department, 'Hymns of Guru Nanak' and 'Panth Prakash' released by Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer and Mr. Om Parkash Gaso.