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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
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