Guru Nanak Dev University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh today reiterated the university’s commitment to the promotion of the Punjabi language. He was presiding over a special academic seminar organised by the School of Punjabi Studies on the theme “Medieval Punjabi Literature: Dimensions and Relevance.”
He said the university has always remained dedicated to the growth of Punjabi as a mother tongue and continues to make consistent efforts in this direction. The seminar was jointly organised by the School of Punjabi Studies, Guru Nanak Dev University, the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi.
Dr Manjinder Singh, Head of the School welcomed the guests. Dr. Ravel Singh, convener of the Punjabi Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi, in his opening remarks, said medieval Punjabi literature—including Gurmat, Sufi, Qissa and heroic poetry — forms the foundation of contemporary literary thought and cultural consciousness.
Chief guest Madhav Kaushik underlined the distinct identity of Punjabi literature on the broader canvas of Indian literature, adding that its medieval corpus promotes humanism and global peace, making it highly relevant in present times. Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Manmohan Singh presented a scholarly analysis of various dimensions of medieval Punjabi literature, emphasising its deep philosophical roots and its role in challenging social inequalities and injustice.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Manjinder Singh, while the proceedings were conducted by Assistant Professor Dr. Baljeet Kaur Riar.