LAHORE: International Mother Language Day was celebrated in the metropolis on Tuesday, with the aim being promotion of Punjabi language among the youth. Seminars, conferences and other cultural activities were organised at different places to mark the occasion.

According to linguistic experts, language is the most powerful instrument of preserving and developing tangible and intangible heritage. All moves to promote the dissemination of mother languages serve not only to encourage linguistic diversity and multilingual education, but also to develop fuller awareness of linguistic and cultural traditions.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) General Conference had proclaimed International Mother Language Day on November 1999. According to UNSECO, half of the 6,700 languages spoken today are in danger of extinction before the century ends, a process that can be slowed only if urgent action is taken by governments and speakers’ community.

Punjab University (PU) Punjabi Adabi Majlis and Department of Punjabi organised a ceremony titled ‘Jagat Maa Boli Dehar’ at Sherani Hall to celebrate the language day.

Dean Prof Dr Hafiz Mahmood Akhtar, Oriental College Principal Prof Dr Mazhar Moeen, Punjabi Department Chairman Prof Dr Asmatullah Zahid, Dr Anjum Rehmani, Dr Naheed Shahid, renowned journalist Mudassar Iqbal Butt, faculty members and a large number of students attended the event.

Highlighting the importance of Punjabi language, Prof Dr Asmatullah Zahid said the language was not only spoken in the subcontinent, but was also given the status of second largest spoken language in several main Canadian cities.

He said the purpose of celebrating International Mother Language Day was to answer the question as to why the youth felt ashamed to converse in Punjabi. He said that Punjabi, was a dynamic language and all sorts of artistic work was available in Punjabi which spoke volumes of its deep and rich literature.

Dr Anjum Rehmani read his research paper on the occasion. Speakers at the seminar included Dr Akhtar, Dr Moeen, Nabeela Rehman, and Dr Shahid, all of whom stressed on the need for adopting one’s mother language and feeling proud of it. They also urged the government to take steps to promote Punjabi at official level.

LAHORE: A large number of students from universities across the city participated in variety of folk dances in the “Punjab Folk Dance Festival” that was held in Liberty Market to mark the International Mother Language Day on Tuesday. The event was organised by the Punjab Lok Rahs to mark the international event and highlight the linguistic and cultural diversity in the region. Students from the Forman Christian College (FCC), University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) and Gujrat University presented various types of folk dances, including bhangra, jhummar, giddha, luddi, kikkli, sammi, gatka, dhammal and julli, which received applause from the audience. Talking to Daily Times, organisers, citizens and participants of the event stressed the need for promoting Punjabi language and urged the provincial government to ensure that the regional language was taught at schools. Qamar Mehdi of Punjab Lok Rahs said the day should remind Punjabis of their origins and ancestry. He said the locals should take pride in Punjabi instead of shying while communicating in their mother language. daily times

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