New Delhi: It gives us immense pleasure to announce that the 16th World Punjabi Conference is being held on 24th & 25th February, 2024, in New Delhi, India. IIM Rohtak takes pride in being associated with this event, in collaboration with Jagat Punjabi Sabha, Canada. Organizing such a nuanced gathering highlighting the contribution of Punjabis and Punjabi at to the world at large, that too a first of its kind to be held in Indian soil, IIM Rohtak continues to uphold the tradition of being a pioneer among the newer generation of IIMs. More than 200 people attended the conference to discuss Punjab and Punjabiyat.
The event was honored by honorable guests like Shri Hans Raj Hans, Member of Parliament, Shri Rana Gurmit Singh Sodi, Former Cabinet Minister for Sports, Lord Rami Ranger, CBE, Founder of Sun Mark and Sea Air & Land Prof. Nathu Puri, Founder – Purico group, Mr. Harinder Singh Sikka, Group Director, Piramal Group, Mr. Amit Singh Bagga, Co-founder, CEO & CMO, Daryaganj Restaurants.
The event delved into various topics, including the Punjabi’s continuous connection with India through travel and tourism, positive Punjabi representation in Canada, and means of countering the negative narrative prevailing in the West, with special reference to Canada. NRI-Punjabis have always remained an essential part of India emotionally, traditionally, socially and economically. Punjabis of all faiths; Sikhs, Muslims, and Hindus of Canada are committed towards building positive relations between India and Canada. Most of the NRI-Punjabis continue to have strong links in India in the form of land, houses, businesses, and families. Therefore, the Punjabi community would like to include NAITIKTA as a subject of study in various schools and colleges in Punjab.
The 2-day event was held at United Service Institution of India, New Delhi. Since its inception (the 1st conference was held at Lahore in 1991), it has been a platform showcasing the contribution of Punjabis to the world, be it in the field of education, literature, business, armed forces, jurisprudence or culture. In the wake of the recent narrative, arising particularly from the UK and Canada, holding such a gathering of positive brand ambassadors of Punjab in New Delhi showcases the camaraderie and contribution of Punjabis to the world. More than 40 papers from India, UK, Canada, and the US diaspora were presented and several books were showcased at the conference related to the contribution of Punjab and Punjabis.
In his speech, Shri Hans Raj Hans Ji, Member of Parliament highlighted that Punjab is like a diamond in the Indian crown. He made a heartfelt request to the farmers to remain committed to the principles of the green revolution. He called to let Punjab remain the provider of food to the world.
Shri Rana Gurmit Singh Sodi, Former Cabinet Minister for Sports, highlighted India’s contribution to the army and sports. He said Punjab was the greatest beneficiary of policies that led to the green revolution. He added how this revolution was then supplanted in the Ganganagar area of Rajasthan and the Tarai area of Uttarakhand. He detailed Punjabi’s contribution to the field of sports, reminiscing his personal experiences as a professional shooter and as the Former Minister of Sports in Punjab.
Prof. Dheeraj Sharma, Director, IIM Rohtak, addressed the audience on Punjabiyat and its essence. He talked about Punjabi contribution to the Indian armed forces. He noted that the first Param Vir Chakra was won by a Punjabi, Maj Somnath Sharma and that recently, another Punjabi, Gurtej Singh, won Vir Chakra in 2020 for his contribution during the Galwan conflict with China, this shows the remarkable achievements of the community.
The first panel of the event delved into the theme “Punjabi Involvement in World Politics.” The panel was moderated by Mr. Ajaib Singh Chatha, Chairman, JPS, Canada. Mr. Ravinder Singh Robin, Senior Journalist, elaborated on his experiences as a journalist and as an Indian, expressing gratitude and pride in his culture and heritage. Mr. Tahir Aslam Gora, Canadian Broadcaster, Editor, Publisher TAG TV elaborated on Punjabi contribution to International Politics.
The second panel concentrated on the theme “The Impact of Indo-Punjabi Moral Values on Foreign Soil.” The panel discussed the Punjabi values that perverse over traditions and cultures, citing Langar as an example of community kitchen. highlighted the importance of the mother tongue and asked the students to remain connected with their language and culture.
The third panel focused on the theme “Punjabi Language and Media’s Role on Foreign Soil,” The panel expanded on how international media views the Punjabi culture and language and expressed the need for initiatives to promote the language and detailed the crucial role of media when it comes to learning or implementing knowledge, from small acts like “Nukkad Natak”, poetry and music. They connected the ethics and values given by Guru Nanak Dev and its application in the modern management sphere.
The second day of the conference began with the fourth panel discussion on the theme “Punjabi Art and Cultural Impact Worldwide”. The panel delved into a discussion on how Punjabi art and culture is thriving in foreign lands, especially Canada. They explained how Punjabi artisans evolved their art as a medium to cope with the stressors of immigration to a foreign country.
The fifth panel deliberated on the topic of “Connecting Indian Punjab with the Diaspora.” The panel explained the development of Punjab and Punjabiyat and reflected that it is every punjabi’s NAITIK dharma is to save the punjabi sankalp, and contribute to it with the entire heart to sustain it. The sixth panel discussed the theme “Future of Punjabiyat Abroad” and explained that Punjabi culture mainly teaches 2 things “NIRVAIR” and “NIRBHAU” means without fear and without enmity.
The event was followed by the Valediction ceremony graced by the presence of the Chief Guest Air Chief Marshal Shri Birender Singh Dhanoa, PVSM, AVSM, YSM, VM, ADC and Guest of Honor Shri Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Chairman, National Commission for Minorities, India.
