Punjabi Language Shines on International Mother Language Day in Midwest USA

Chicago, IL: 
The vibrant spirit of Punjabi culture echoed across the halls of the National India Hub in Schaumburg on Sunday, April 6, as the Punjabi community from across the Midwest came together to mark International Mother Language Day with a special focus on Punjabi literature and heritage. The event, running from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, was an enriching blend of poetry, prose, and powerful reflections, followed by a community dinner.

Organized by the Punjabi Community of the US Midwest, the evening honored the deep cultural and literary significance of Punjabi, a language with a rich 5,500-year-old history. This year's celebration held special meaning, as it coincided with the 25th Anniversary of the Silver Jubilee of International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999 to promote linguistic and cultural diversity around the globe.

The event brought together an impressive lineup of renowned Punjabi authors, poets, and thinkers, including Dr. Atamjit, recipient of the Sahitya Akademi and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards, 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 among others. Their presence and performances left a lasting impact on an audience eager to reconnect with their roots.

The chief guest Mr. Ghosh expressed deep joy at witnessing children speak Punjabi on stage, calling it the true spirit of International Mother Language Day. He emphasized that many regional languages, including Punjabi and Bengali, are under pressure due to global economic and digital forces. “We must use technology, especially AI, to preserve and promote our languages,” he urged. He encouraged the community to develop localized Punjabi content and make it accessible online. “If we don’t take the initiative, no one else will,” he said. He envisioned a future where AI enables seamless translation, connecting people across languages while preserving their roots.

Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, the event’s Chief Patron and Pravasi Bharatiya Divas Samman Awardee, echoed similar sentiments. “Punjabi is more than just a language. It is the soul of our traditions, songs, folklore, and everyday expressions. It is our duty to nurture it, especially for the younger generations growing up abroad,” he said.

The event also featured recitations of Punjabi poetry, musical performances celebrating folk heritage, and panel discussions on the significance of language preservation in diaspora communities. Several poets mesmerized the audience with their verses, painting vivid images of Punjab’s landscapes, familial bonds, spiritual depth, and socio-political themes.

The event’s Chief Coordinator Dr. Harjinder Singh Khaira and Convenor Raj Lally Batala played a key role in bringing the community together. Speaking about the success of past years, Batala noted, “In 2021, 2022, 2023, and even in 2024, our Punjabi community showed immense enthusiasm and support for this cultural celebration. With each year, participation has grown stronger, and tonight is a testimony to the commitment we all share in keeping our language alive.”

Other key organizing team members included Ms. Kamlesh Kapoor (Joint Coordinator), Rajinder Singh Mago, Kuljeet Dyalpuri, Gurmukh Singh Bhullar, Charandeep Singh, Jasmeet Singh, Ms. Jasbir Mann, PS Mann, Aman Kullar, Jigerdeep Singh Dhillon, Narinder Sra, Rajinder Dayal, Surjit Sallan, Harjinder Jindi, and Amardev Bandesha. Their dedication and teamwork ensured that the event went off seamlessly. Attendees enjoyed complimentary tea and snacks during the evening, with a delicious dinner served after 8 PM to round off the celebrations in true Punjabi hospitality.

The program also acknowledged generous contributions from sponsors such as Japneet Khaira (Grand Sponsor), Gulzar Singh Multani, Bhupinder Singh Dhaliwal, Lucky Sahota, Mukhtiar Singh (Happy Heer), Parminder Singh Goldy, Amrik Singh (Amar Carpet), Dr. Vikram Gill, P.S. Mann, Darshan Singh Grewal, Brij Sharma, Sarvan Singh Mishvaka, Pal Singh Khalil, Kamlesh Kapoor, Dawinder S. Rangi, and Jaskaran Dhaliwal.

Over 31.14 million people speak Punjabi in India, but its global reach extends much farther, with vibrant Punjabi-speaking communities in Canada, the UK, the US, Australia, and other parts of the world. Events like this help foster a connection between first-generation immigrants and their children, ensuring that the language continues to flourish across generations.

As the evening concluded with warm farewells and shared meals, the message of the day resonated deeply: Languages are more than words; they are vessels of identity, memory, and continuity. And on this day, Punjabi stood tall as a beacon of resilience, pride, and poetic beauty.

A heartfelt thank you to the vibrant sports organizations whose unwavering support and cooperation played a vital role in the success of this event. Your dedication to preserving culture through sports and community engagement is truly commendable. We extend our sincere gratitude to Punjab Sports Club Chicago, Punjab Sports & Cultural Club, Sher-E-Punjab Sports Club Chicago, Sher-E-Punjab Sports & Cultural Club, Sant Baba Prem Singh Sports Club South Bend, and the Punjabi American Youth Club Indiana. 

“I salute the tireless efforts of the entire organizing committee, especially the cultural ambassadors, poets, thinkers, and youth who are keeping the Punjabi language not only alive but thriving on foreign soil. Their unwavering commitment is a shining example of how language can be a living force, bridging generations and geography. Let this celebration be a reminder that our roots must be nurtured, preserved, and proudly displayed. May such events continue to inspire, educate, and empower”. Suresh Bodiwala Chairman & Founder, Asian Media USA.