Govt committed to promoting Punjabi language, says minister
The Punjabi month celebrations, organised by the Language Department Punjab to promote Punjabi language, commenced today with an impressive event at Bhasha Bhawan here.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Balbir Singh was the chief guest, while the Director of the Language Department, Punjab, Jaswant Singh Zafar, presided over the function.
Addressing the gathering, the Health Minister stated that Bhasha Bhawan, which is currently under the occupation of a different government department, will be returned to literature lovers.
He highlighted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s personal interest in promoting Punjabi language, ensuring that the government continues to support these efforts.
He said despite advancements in digital technology, books will always remain a fundamental part of human life and culture.
Encouraging parents to foster a love for reading among children, Dr Balbir Singh also pledged to address the department’s staffing and technical issues promptly. He announced the relocation of the NCC office from the Language Department building to a new site.
The opening ceremony included the distribution of Best Punjabi Literary Book Awards from 2021 to 2024, honouring 30 distinguished writers. Special guests in attendance included Pawan Harchandpuri, president of the Central Punjabi Writers’ Association; Atam Randhawa, president of the Punjab Sahitya Academy, Chandigarh; and Sarabjit Singh, president of the Punjabi Sahitya Academy, Ludhiana.
Dr Balbir Singh inaugurated a book exhibition and raised the flag marking the beginning of the month-long Punjabi Month events. A soulful performance by Sufi singers Anujot Kaur and Bikram Sangha captivated the audience, adding to the cultural ambiance of the event.
Two publications were also unveiled during the ceremony —Dr Surjit Patar special edition of the Language Department’s magazine Punjabi Duniya and a survey book, Machhiwara Sahib, by Raghveer Bharat.
In his speech, Director Jaswant Singh Zafar outlined the ongoing efforts, achievements and challenges faced by the Language Department.
He also pointed out the department’s struggles with a shortage of technical staff and other resources.
