Jalandhar/Chandigarh – The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Executive Director Satnam Singh Chahal, strongly condemns the continued violation of the Punjabi Language Law by government officials and political leaders in Punjab. Despite the existence of legal provisions mandating the use of Punjabi as the official language in government affairs, the law is being blatantly disregarded, with no enforcement or accountability for violators.
Punjabi is not just a language but the cultural and linguistic identity of Punjab, and its neglect by those in power is deeply concerning. The failure of political leaders and government officials to speak, write, and conduct official work in Punjabi is a direct insult to the linguistic heritage of millions of Punjabis worldwide. This persistent violation has weakened the status of Punjabi in its own homeland, causing distress to the Punjabi diaspora that takes immense pride in its linguistic roots.
NAPA urges the Punjab government and relevant authorities to uphold and enforce the Punjabi Language Law with immediate effect. Those failing to comply with the law should face appropriate legal consequences, as originally intended. It is unacceptable that those in power, who are responsible for setting an example, are themselves violating the very law meant to protect Punjab’s linguistic identity.
NAPA calls upon Punjabi-speaking citizens, language activists, and cultural organizations to unite in demanding that the Punjab government lead by example. If the government does not respect its own laws, it sets a dangerous precedent that undermines the rule of law and the preservation of Punjab’s rich linguistic and cultural heritage.
We demand immediate action to ensure that Punjabi is given its rightful status in all official proceedings, and violators of the law are held accountable.