Rooted in the soil of Punjab, the language of the Gurus’ wisdom and literature, Punjabi is no longer confined to the borders of Punjab. For Punjabis spread across the globe, it is a symbol of their identity. However, as times changed and the new generation settled abroad began to drift away from its roots, a concern arose regarding the language’s existence. The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, understood this concern and launched an initiative that touched the heart of every Punjabi. The commencement of the International Punjabi Language Olympiad (IPLO) is the result of this emotional foresight. This Olympiad is more than just a competition; it is an emotional celebration of love and respect for one’s mother tongue. It offers millions of Punjabi children, who have grown up abroad and may not be fully familiar with their language, a chance to connect with their culture and heritage. When a child answers questions and wins a prize in the language of their own home, it is not just a victory, but a deep sense of pride in their identity. This initiative also sparks hope in the hearts of distant families who wish to keep their next generation connected to their native soil.
The Mann government in Punjab has not just launched a program but started a movement by introducing the International Punjabi Language Olympiad. This is an initiative that is touching our hearts and emotionally connecting us to our roots. It is not merely a contest; it is a unique way of showing respect and love for the Ma Boli (mother tongue). Often, the Punjabi generation living overseas becomes distant from their native language. They don’t get the opportunity to learn about their language, heritage, and history. This Olympiad is a beautiful way to bridge that gap. By introducing children to Punjabi literature, history, and culture, it instills a sense of pride in their identity. The initiative is not limited to increasing linguistic knowledge but acts as a cultural and emotional bridge. It threads Punjabis across the world together, making them feel that even if they are physically apart, their soul, their language, and their culture are one. It teaches us that language is not just a collection of words, but a symbol of our emotions, our heritage, and our identity.
The step taken by the Punjab government is highly impactful because it comes at a time when languages are getting left behind in the race for globalization. Through this Olympiad, the Punjabi language is not only getting a global platform but is also proving that our language still holds the power to connect people. The Mann government wants to spread the dialect and language of Punjab to every corner of the world. The current Bhagwant Mann government is actively working toward this goal. As part of this initiative, the AAP government in Punjab is organizing the International Punjabi Language Olympiad. State School Education and Language Minister, S. Harjot Singh Bains, shared this information. Harjot Singh Bains informed that the Mann government decided to organize the International Punjabi Language Olympiad to promote the Punjabi language globally. This event is writing a new chapter. It shows that merely giving speeches is not enough to save and promote a language; creative and emotional initiatives like this are necessary. This reflects the Mann government’s foresight and deep commitment to its culture, which is truly impressive.
The Punjabi Language Olympiad is organized annually in India by the PSEB (Punjab School Education Board) and the Punjab Government. As Punjabi is a local language of India, the PSEB organizes the International Punjabi Language Olympiad (IPLO), which is a Punjabi language examination. The Punjab government assists in organizing this exam. It is the largest examination held for the Punjabi language, with students from across the globe participating. The First Punjab Olympiad was held online on December 9-10, 2023. The Second Olympiad was held on December 7-8, 2024. The PSEB organizes it annually, and the Third Olympiad is now scheduled for 2025, for which online registration has begun. Registration for the competition can be done by visiting Olympiad.pseb@punjab.gov.in. Punjabi is the tenth most widely spoken language in the world, with over 100 million speakers. The exam will be open to students residing in India, the USA, Australia, Europe, and other countries. The Olympiad is open to students from Class 3 to Class 12. It will feature 50 objective-type questions to be solved in 40 minutes, totaling 50 marks. Students up to 17 years of age studying in Class 8 and 9 can participate. The Olympiad is conducted across six different time zones, each lasting 2 hours. Prize money has also been set for this competition: The first prize for students from Punjab is fixed at ₹11,000, the second prize at ₹7,100, and the third prize at ₹5,100. The objective of this competition is to preserve and promote the rich heritage of the Punjabi language.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has made it clear on several occasions that the respect and preservation of the Punjabi language are a priority for his government. Besides the Olympiad, he has taken several steps, such as mandating Punjabi on signboards and making Punjabi a main subject in schools. This shows that the Mann government’s dedication to the mother tongue is not just an electoral promise but a deep emotional commitment. These efforts demonstrate how serious the Mann government is about the preservation of its culture and language. This Olympiad is not just a government program, but an emotional campaign that gives every Punjabi a chance to be proud of their roots. This is a commendable and impactful step by the Mann government, which has given the Punjabi language a new identity and the new generation a chance to connect with their heritage. This is an effort whose appreciation comes from every heart that loves its motherland and mother tongue.
