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Second World Punjabi meet brings together 400 delegates
by Sunil Sharma

     Chandigarh: A two-day World Punjabi conference to discuss pertinent issues related to propagation of Punjabi language and culture was hosted here. Over participation of 400 delegates participated in the Punjab University's 2nd World Punjabi Conference in Chandigarh. Many non-residents from Canada, U.S., Italy, Japan and England, who have made achievements in different walks of life got together under one roof here and shared their experiences. Everyone agreed that there is growing need to preserve the cultural identity of Punjabis in the face of growing globalization and westernization. "Our aim is to promote Punjabi language and the work done by the Punjabis in their specialized areas. We want to showcase their talent to the whole world," said Dr. Malkit S Bajwa, Secretary of Panjab University at the conference. "We are trying to unite people. The NRI's who have settled abroad, are trying to connect themselves with their culture. When they return, they are reminded of their roots and the motherland they originally belong to. Punjabis living in India are also encouraged to promote Punjabi culture," said one of the members at the conference. The university had also organized on the occasion an exhibition showcasing Punjabi culture. Educationists at the function underlined the need for quality education for cultural empowerment. Panjab University's Vice Chancellor R. C. Sobti, on this occasion, requested the Punjab Government to give more grants to the university. Many others stressed the need for development of scientific and technological material in Punjabi. "I have been to more than 20 countries. We are exchanging cultures. Western culture is coming to Asian countries and Asian culture is going to western countries. The culture is being globalised, so things are happening everywhere. You can see Punjabi culture in England, Canada, America, Pakistan and wherever you go. So no culture can die until we kill it or cut it into pieces. I don't think our culture will die ever; we are forever," said Veena Verma, a Punjabi author and non-resident Indian. Punjabis have settled across the world and have been doing considerable work for the promotion of Punjabi culture and language. Eminent Punjabis, including poets and writers, were felicitated in acknowledgement of their accomplishments in their respective fields. Their books were displayed to inspire young Punjabis to work for the promotion of Punjabi literature and language as well.
-Mar 17, 2009