Fremont, California / Chandigarh — The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) has expressed deep concern over the continued marginalisation of the Punjabi language in educational institutions and public life, despite its rich history, global presence, and constitutional recognition.
NAPA Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal stated that Punjabi is not merely a means of communication but a living embodiment of the cultural, historical, and spiritual heritage of millions of people across the world. He emphasized that preserving Punjabi is essential for safeguarding the identity and traditions of future generations.
Chahal noted that throughout history, Punjabi has faced repeated attempts to diminish its status or portray it as inferior to other languages. However, historical records and scholarly works strongly refute such narratives. He cited the work of Prof. O. P. Kahol, a leader associated with the Hindu Mahasabha, whose 1955 book Hindus and the Punjabi State robustly defended the antiquity and richness of the Punjabi language.
Quoting Prof. Kahol, Chahal highlighted the observation that: “Our language has immense potentialities and is pregnant with a rare linguistic genius if only we care to nurture and develop it.” Kahol further reminded readers that Punjab was the land of Panini, one of the world’s greatest grammarians, and urged that the linguistic heritage of Punjab be preserved and promoted.
NAPA noted that historical evidence demonstrates Punjabi’s deep roots in ancient linguistic traditions such as Pali and Prakrit. Scholars have long argued that Punjabi preserves numerous ancient word forms and maintains a close relationship with Sanskrit and other early languages of the Indian subcontinent.
The association also recalled that the politics surrounding language in Punjab has historically been shaped by communal and ideological campaigns. Historical census records, including the Census of India of 1931 and subsequent censuses in 1951 and 1961, documented efforts encouraging people to register languages other than Punjabi as their mother tongue. These developments had long-term implications for language policy and cultural identity in Punjab.
NAPA expressed concern that, in the present era, the challenge to Punjabi has assumed a different form. Reports that some private educational institutions discourage students from speaking Punjabi or give inadequate emphasis to the language raise serious questions about the preservation of linguistic heritage. Such practices, if true, may contribute to weakening young people’s connection with their culture and history.
Chahal clarified that promoting Punjabi does not mean opposing English, Hindi, or any other language. “Multilingualism is a strength. The objective is not to elevate one language at the expense of another, but to ensure that Punjabi receives the dignity, institutional support, and respect it deserves as one of the world’s great languages,” he said.
NAPA called upon governments, educational institutions, community organizations, and families to take concrete steps to promote Punjabi in homes, schools, and public institutions. The association emphasized that language preservation is a shared responsibility and urged Punjabis worldwide to speak, read, and teach Punjabi to future generations.
“Punjabi has survived invasions, partitions, and political challenges. Its future now depends on our collective will to preserve and nurture it. A community that forgets its language risks losing an essential part of its identity,” Chahal concluded.