NGO launches initiative to revive Punjabi language

Ludhiana, Punjab: At a time when the Punjabi language is being neglected in not only educational institutions in the state but even by those who consider it as their mother tongue, there are some bright spots in this depressing scenario like Mahinder Singh Sekhon who are making an effort to revive the language and restore its glory.

A retired merchant navy officer, Singh has launched an NGO, Meri Ma Boli Punjabi, to keep the language, which is gradually being discarded in Punjabi urban households, alive and well in every possible manner.

Sekhon along with members of his organisation regularly visit schools and colleges, especially privately run ones, across the city to promote increased use of Punjabi. The group has decided to observe the first week of September every year as ‘Punjabi Week’ during which seminars and other programmes will be organised. Speaking about his mission, Singh said: “We want to make a renewed effort to save our language from dying a slow death. If we if we don’t do anything the new generation will never get to appreciate the beauty of the language. These days youngsters are indifferent to their mother tongue and for them English comes first because it helps them to have a secure livelihood. Interest in mastering the Punjabi language must be cultivated from the beginning itself ”.

Source: HT