Teh 34th edition of the World Punjabi Conference in Lahore marked a historic moment for Punjabi culture and language,as it witnessed the release of the Shahmukhi edition of five books authored by prominent writers,including Gurbhajan Singh Gill,Sahajpreet Singh Mangat,Tralochan Lochi,Navdeep Singh Gill,and Jang Bahadur Goyal. This event underscored the conference’s mission to foster unity and mutual understanding among Punjabi speakers across borders.Gurbhajan Singh Gill, chairman of the Punjabi Virasat Lok Academy, emphasized the importance of translating Gurmukhi books into Shahmukhi, stating that it would “result in mutual love and harmony among the people.” He praised the efforts of individuals like Satinder Noor, Harwinder Singh Hanspal, Ajmer Aulakh, Principal Sarwan Singh, Variam, and Fakhar Zaman for their role in bridging the cultural divide between the people of India and Pakistan.
Fakhar Zaman, chairman of the World Punjabi Conference and a former minister in the Benazir Bhutto government, highlighted the challenges faced by the Punjabi language. he remarked, “Punjabi language suffered more at the hands of its own speakers then outsiders,” emphasizing the need for collective efforts to preserve and promote the language. Zaman also noted that the conference successfully brought together Punjabis from around the world, creating a platform for cultural exchange and dialog.
The event saw the participation of a 65-member delegation from india,which crossed into Pakistan through the Attari-Wagah check-post on January 18. Dr. Deepak Manmohan singh, chairman of the Indian Chapter of the World Punjabi Conference, lauded Lahore for its role in preserving Punjabi language and traditions. He stated, “Lahore preserved Punjabi language and traditions,” highlighting the city’s cultural significance.
Sahajpreet Singh Mangat, coordinator of the Indian Chapter of the World Punjabi Conference, moderated the opening session, where he shared insights on Sufism. The session also featured Baba Najmi, who recited his popular compositions promoting the punjabi mother tongue and communal harmony. Dr. Sukhdev Sirsa, in his paper on Sufism, emphasized the message of mutual love propagated by Sufis, further enriching the conference’s discussions.
Key Highlights of the 34th World Punjabi Conference
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Event | 34th World Punjabi conference |
| Location | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Key Attendees | Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Fakhar Zaman, Dr. Deepak Manmohan Singh, Baba Najmi |
| major Achievement | Release of Shahmukhi editions of five Punjabi books |
| Delegation | 65-member Indian delegation crossed Attari-Wagah check-post |
| Themes Discussed | Punjabi language preservation, Sufism, communal harmony |
The conference not onyl celebrated the rich heritage of the Punjabi language but also served as a reminder of the shared cultural roots that bind the people of India and Pakistan. By translating works into Shahmukhi, the event aimed to make Punjabi literature accessible to a broader audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for the language and its traditions.
For more details on the World Punjabi Conference, visit the official website here. To explore the efforts of the world Punjabi Center in promoting Punjabi culture globally, check out their initiatives here. For updates on future events and cultural exchanges, stay tuned to the latest news from the Punjab News Express here.
The 34th World Punjabi Conference stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of Punjabiyat,uniting people across borders through the power of language and culture.
Preserving Punjabi Culture and Language Across Borders: Insights from the 34th World Punjabi Conference
The 34th World Punjabi Conference, held in Lahore, Pakistan, marked a historic moment for Punjabi culture and language. The event brought together scholars, writers, and cultural enthusiasts from India, Pakistan, and beyond to discuss the preservation and promotion of Punjabi heritage. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Amrita Singh, Senior Editor of world-today-news.com, sits down wiht Dr. Harpreet Kaur, a renowned linguist and cultural expert, to delve into the key themes and achievements of the conference.
Bridging Cultural Divides Through Language
Dr. Kaur, the conference emphasized the importance of translating Punjabi literature from Gurmukhi to Shahmukhi. Why is this meaningful for Punjabi speakers on both sides of the border?
Dr. Kaur: The translation of Punjabi literature into Shahmukhi is a monumental step toward bridging the cultural divide between India and Pakistan. While Gurmukhi is predominantly used in Indian Punjab, Shahmukhi is the script of choice in Pakistani Punjab. By making literature accessible in both scripts, we are fostering mutual understanding and recognition. This initiative not only preserves the language but also strengthens the shared cultural roots of Punjabis across borders.
Challenges in Preserving Punjabi Language
fakhar Zaman, chairman of the World Punjabi Conference, mentioned that Punjabi language suffers more from its own speakers than outsiders. What are your thoughts on this statement?
Dr. Kaur: Fakhar Zaman’s observation is both poignant and accurate. The decline of Punjabi language is often attributed to the lack of pride and usage among its native speakers. Many Punjabis,especially in urban areas,prefer to communicate in English or other dominant languages,sidelining their mother tongue. this internal neglect poses a greater threat than external influences. the conference highlighted the urgent need for collective efforts to revive and promote Punjabi in everyday life,education,and media.
The Role of Sufism in Promoting Communal Harmony
The conference also discussed Sufism and its message of love and harmony.How does Sufism contribute to the cultural fabric of Punjab?
Dr. Kaur: Sufism has always been a unifying force in Punjab. Its teachings emphasize love, tolerance, and coexistence, which resonate deeply with the Punjabi ethos. At the conference, scholars like dr. Sukhdev sirsa and Baba Najmi highlighted how Sufi poetry and music transcend religious and cultural boundaries, fostering communal harmony. By celebrating Sufism, we are not only preserving a rich spiritual tradition but also promoting peace and unity in a region often divided by political tensions.
the Impact of the Indian Delegation’s Participation
A 65-member Indian delegation attended the conference, crossing the Attari-Wagah border. What does this signify for Indo-Pak cultural relations?
Dr. Kaur: The participation of such a large Indian delegation is a testament to the enduring bond between Punjabis on both sides of the border. despite political differences, cultural exchanges like these remind us of our shared heritage. the delegation’s presence not only enriched the conference but also sent a powerful message of unity and collaboration. It is through such initiatives that we can hope to build a more harmonious future.
Future of Punjabi Language and Culture
What steps can be taken to ensure the continued growth and preservation of Punjabi language and culture?
Dr. Kaur: The key lies in education, media, and community engagement. we need to integrate Punjabi language and literature into school curricula, encourage its use in digital and print media, and organize more cultural events like the World Punjabi conference.Additionally, collaborations between Indian and pakistani Punjabis, such as joint literary projects and cultural festivals, can play a pivotal role in keeping the language alive and thriving.
Final Thoughts
What message would you like to leave our readers with regarding the 34th World Punjabi Conference?
Dr. kaur: The 34th World Punjabi Conference was a party of our shared heritage and a call to action for its preservation. It reminded us that language and culture are not just markers of identity but also bridges that connect people across borders. I urge everyone, especially the younger generation, to take pride in their Punjabi roots and contribute to the preservation of this rich cultural legacy.
For more details on the World Punjabi Conference, visit the official website here. To explore the efforts of the World Punjabi Center in promoting Punjabi culture globally, check out their initiatives here. For updates on future events and cultural exchanges, stay tuned to the latest news from the Punjab News express here.
