PATIALA: Punjab Language Minister Harjot Singh Bains has emphasized the importance of reconnecting with books and preserving cultural heritage in the era of social media. Speaking at the concluding ceremony of Punjabi Month-2024 at Bhasha Bhawan, the Minister announced several initiatives to promote literature and enhance the financial self-reliance of the Language Department.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Bains highlighted the government’s commitment to making the Language Department self-sustainable by generating funds through self-sponsored initiatives. He revealed that the department will soon launch a campaign encouraging people to gift books during major festivals like Diwali, starting next year.
“Books are lifelong companions. In today’s fast-paced world dominated by social media, it is essential to reconnect with our roots through literature, ” said Bains. He urged people to visit the Language Department and explore its treasure trove of literary works.
Citing the department’s recent achievement of generating ₹7 lakh through book sales during Punjabi Month, Bains stated that the public’s interest in reading remains strong and needs further encouragement. On the occasion, awards were presented to 15 writers for the best literary books in Hindi (2023 and 2024), Sanskrit (2023 and 2024), and Urdu (2024). Additionally, the Language Department’s publications, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Darshan and Tarikha Patiala, were officially dedicated to the public.
The Minister also acknowledged the positive changes brought by Jaswant Singh Zafar, the newly appointed Director of the Language Department, and said the department is undergoing a revitalization. In response to media queries, he reiterated the government’s policy of refraining from foreign visits for ministers while emphasizing the focus on sending government school teachers abroad for training.
Former Head of the Department of Religious Studies at Punjabi University, Prof. Harpal Singh Pannu, lauded the Language Department’s efforts to preserve literature and urged the publication of its priceless collection for wider access. He also recommended translating global masterpieces into Punjabi.
Renowned Punjabi critic Dr. Surjit Singh Bhatti, in his presidential address, praised Punjabi as a language of love and sharing, capable of expressing every stage of life through its literature.
The event, moderated by Research Officer Dr. Sukhdarshan Singh Chahal, concluded with a farewell speech by Director Jaswant Singh Zafar, who reflected on the achievements of the Punjabi Month celebration.
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