Patiala university to launch online Punjabi course for kids of Indian diaspora

Patiala university to launch online Punjabi course for kids of Indian diaspora

Punjabi University will soon launch an online Punjabi language course for children of Indian diaspora in the US, Canada, UK and other countries. The course will help them learn the language and stay connected with their cultural roots.

The announcement was made by Vice-Chancellor Jagdeep Singh on Wednesday while addressing the gathering at an event organised to honour US-based attorney Jaspreet Singh, an alumnus of the university, for his contribution to the institution and his continued association with it.

The VC said the course would not only teach Punjabi but also acquaint young members of the diaspora with Punjab’s culture and folklore.

In his address, Health and Family Welfare Minister Balbir Singh expressed concern over Punjab’s image abroad. Referring to recent reports linking some Punjabi youths with organised crime and allegations related to drugs and arms smuggling, he said Punjab was being unfairly targeted.

He stressed the need for universities to strengthen research in science, Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies.

Speaking on immigration trends, Jaspreet Singh said many Punjabis on work permit in the US were facing uncertainty. He claimed that the US authorities had recently cancelled 54,000 commercial driving licences of work permit holders, while another 17,000 cases were under process, with Punjabis among the worst affected.

Among those present were Guru Nanak Dev University VC Karamjit Singh, Sri Guru Granth Sahib World University VC Pritpal Singh and Jagat Guru Nanak Dev Punjab State Open University VC Rattan Singh.