Weeks after Sath, a student group of Panjab University, opposed the dropping of Gurmukhi script from signage and nameplates put up in various departments on the campus, the authorities have started the process of procuring new plates carrying names in Punjabi language.
In May, members of Sath, had defaced newly installed signage and nameplates, which carried information in Hindi, English and Braille, in various departments. Later, the AAP MP from Sri Anandpur Sahib, Malvinder Singh Kang, had written to the Punjab Governor and PU Chancellor — the Vice-President of India — for immediate restoration of Punjabi language on these signage.
On Monday, the office of Vice-Chancellor informed the MP that the university has started the process of buying signage carrying information in Punjabi language. “The process of procurement of Punjabi signage has been initiated by the Construction Office, Panjab University. The order to purchase the same has been placed on the portal, and new boards will be installed at the earliest,” read the letter signed by the Vice-Chancellor.
Soon after the letter was released, Kang posted on his “X” handle: “…this is a welcome and encouraging step towards preserving and strengthening Punjabi linguistic and cultural heritage. It sends a clear message that the identity of Punjab as well as Punjabi language cannot be overlooked.” He thanked the Vice-President of India for a prompt action.
In his letter, Kang had stated that Panjab University held a “sacred place” in his life as a former president of the Panjab University Students’ Council and former Senate member. The omission of Punjabi from boards installed at the University Institute of Legal Studies and other buildings was “not merely an administrative lapse” but also an affront to the linguistic and cultural identity of Punjab.
The defacement of nameplates by members of Sath had angered physically challenged students. They said they were not opposing the inclusion of Punjabi language on the nameplates and signage, but were against the defacement of boards, which carried information in Braille too.
