By A Correspondent
Chicago, IL: The Punjabi community in the Midwest, on April 6, came together to celebrate International Mother Language Day at the National India Hub in Schaumburg, Illinois. The 3-hour event was a vibrant celebration of Punjabi culture, literature, and heritage, featuring poetry, prose, and thoughtful reflections, followed by a community dinner. The gathering marked a significant moment in the preservation of linguistic heritage, with a focus on the Punjabi language, which boasts a rich 5,500-year-old history.
The celebration was organized by the Punjabi Community of the US Midwest and held special significance as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999. This global event aims to promote linguistic and cultural diversity, and the Midwest gathering highlighted the role of Punjabi in that broader effort. The evening brought together prominent Punjabi authors, poets, and thinkers, including Dr. Atamjit, Ravinder Singh Sahra, Raj Lally Batala, Kashish Hoshiarpuri, Sajid Chaudhary, Abid Rasheed, Rakind Kaur, Gurleen Kaur, Tahira Rida, Amrit Pal Kaur, Gurbaksh Randhawa, and Ghulam Mustafa Anjum. Their participation and performances were integral to the event's success, leaving a lasting impact on attendees who were eager to reconnect with their cultural roots.
One of the event’s key moments came when Mr. Ghosh, Consul General of India, the chief guest, expressed his joy at seeing children speak Punjabi on stage. He noted that this was the true spirit of International Mother Language Day, as it showed that the younger generation was embracing their linguistic heritage. He also highlighted the challenges faced by many regional languages, including Punjabi, which are under pressure due to globalization, technological advances, and the dominance of major global languages. Mr. Ghosh urged the community to use technology, particularly artificial intelligence, to preserve and promote their languages. He envisioned a future in which AI could facilitate seamless translation, bridging linguistic gaps while also preserving cultural roots.
Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, the event’s Chief Patron and recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Samman Award, reinforced Mr. Ghosh’s sentiments. He emphasized that Punjabi is not just a language but the very essence of Punjabi culture, encompassing traditions, songs, folklore, and daily expressions. Dhaliwal underscored the importance of nurturing the language, particularly among younger generations growing up outside Punjab. “It is our duty to preserve and pass on this legacy,” he said, urging everyone to take active steps in safeguarding their linguistic heritage.
The event also featured a series of performances, including recitations of Punjabi poetry, musical acts that celebrated the rich folk traditions of Punjab, and panel discussions about the importance of language preservation in diaspora communities. Poets captivated the audience with their verses, evoking vivid images of Punjab’s landscapes, familial ties, spiritual depth, and the region’s socio-political realities. These performances not only celebrated the beauty of the Punjabi language but also reminded the audience of the deep connection between language and identity.
Dr. Harjinder Singh Khaira, the event’s Chief Coordinator, and Raj Lally Batala, the Convenor, played crucial roles in bringing the community together for this significant occasion. Batala reflected on the success of previous celebrations, noting that each year, the participation of the Punjabi community had grown stronger. The event was a testament to the ongoing commitment to preserving the language and culture, as well as to the growing number of individuals eager to participate in such celebrations.
The organizing committee, which included members like Kamlesh Kapoor, Rajinder Singh Mago, Kuljeet Dyalpuri, Gurmukh Singh Bhullar, Charandeep Singh, and many others, worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s smooth execution. Their dedication was evident in the flawless coordination of the evening’s activities. Attendees enjoyed tea and snacks throughout the event, and a delicious dinner was served after 8 PM, in true Punjabi hospitality.
The event also received generous support from sponsors such as Japneet Khaira, Gulzar Singh Multani, Bhupinder Singh Dhaliwal, Lucky Sahota, Mukhtiar Singh, Parminder Singh Goldy, and others, whose contributions were instrumental in the event's success. Their sponsorship ensured that the celebration was both well-organized and well-attended, with participants enjoying a memorable experience.
Punjabi, spoken by over 31.14 million people in India, has a global presence, with large communities of Punjabi speakers in countries like Canada, the UK, the US, and Australia. Events like these serve to strengthen the connection between first-generation immigrants and their children, ensuring that the language continues to thrive across generations. By embracing their linguistic heritage, the Punjabi community in the Midwest is helping to ensure that Punjabi remains a living, vibrant language for years to come.
As the evening drew to a close, with heartfelt farewells and a shared meal, the message of the day resonated deeply: Languages are not just a means of communication, but a reflection of identity, culture, and continuity. On this International Mother Language Day, Punjabi stood as a proud symbol of resilience, beauty, and the enduring power of language to connect people across time and space.
A special thank you was also extended to the sports organizations whose unwavering support and cooperation played a vital role in the event’s success. The Punjab Sports Club Chicago, Punjab Sports & Cultural Club, Sher-E-Punjab Sports Club Chicago, and others were commended for their dedication to preserving culture through sports and community engagement.
In his closing remarks, Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA, praised the efforts of the organizing committee, especially the cultural ambassadors, poets, and youth, for keeping the Punjabi language not only alive but thriving in foreign lands. He urged everyone to continue nurturing their roots and to take pride in their language and heritage. Bodiwala’s words served as a reminder that language is a living force, bridging generations and geographies, and that the Punjabi language, with its rich history and cultural significance, will continue to inspire, educate, and empower future generations.
