Patiala, February 18- The 'Five-day Sahitya Utsav-2025' dedicated to the International Mother Language Day started today at Punjabi University. It was inaugurated by Paralympic medalist archer Harvinder Singh. On this occasion, Punjabi University Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Narinder Kaur Multani in her presidential speech said that mother tongue has an important place in the life of every human being and this language plays a leading role in the development of every human being.
He said that for this reason mother tongue has been given the same status as mother. He said that our respect for language should be the same as that of mother. Eminent writer and translator Rakshanda Jalil said in her inaugural speech that there is a need to identify various conspiratorial forces and raise their voices against them in the atmosphere of hatred that is constantly forming in the society. He said that wherever oppression is happening, we should express solidarity with the victim and stand firmly against oppression.
Speaking as the chief guest, Marathi writer Sharan Kumar Limbale spoke about the uniqueness of Punjab. Referring to his books translated into Punjabi, he said that he is proud that his work has been translated into Punjabi, the language of Guru Nanak Sahib. Special guest Prof. Jaswinder Singh said that we are living in the era of serious deception. In such a situation art and literature have to play a positive role.
Sports writer Prince Sarwan Singh gave an example from his personal life and explained what he has achieved in life by working in his mother tongue. Head of Punjabi Department Prof. Gurmukh Singh during his welcome speech spoke about the purpose of this festival and said that we should make Punjabis not only singers and dancers but also thinkers. Thank you note of the opening session Registrar Prof. Given by Sanjeev Puri.