Department History
Date of Establishment of the Department: 1965
The Department of Development of Punjabi Language was conceived and established in 1965 by the well wishers of Punjabi language, scholars of Punjabi and builders of modern Punjab. The founding of this department was regarded as a major event in the progress of Punjabi Culture and History. To fulfill this objective the following significant steps were taken :
- Establishment of Punjabi Development Department as the central body for the development of Punjabi language.
- The Establishment of Punjabi Development Fund (DPL).
After identifying and selecting areas which needed overall development and in order to effectively manage this activity, several schemes, units of organizations were envisaged.
At present the following department / units are being managed out of DPL Fund :
- Punjabi Literary Studies Department
- Punjabi Lexicography Department
- Theatre and TV Department
- Journalism and Mass Communication
- Publication Bureau
In addition, Punjabi Reference Library, Museum and Art Gallery, Publicity and Public Relations Department, Honours School in Punjabi, Holiday Home and Art Gallery of Andhreta and Waris Bhawan also lies with this fund. The activities of all these departments though seemingly separate, yet converge on the role and mission of Punjabi and Punjab's cultural development.
Punjabi Language Development is a multifaculty department which comprises a competent team of experts belonging to various fields of studies, text book cell and translation cell is part and parcel of this department. The all-round development of Punjabi language, Literature and culture is the main objective of this Department. This department has dedicated itself to the objective envisaged by the founders of the department and has played a unique role in establishing a unique identity of this university.
Major Schemes:
Production of resource material
Reference Books and Subject Dictionaries in Punjabi
Reference books and dictionaries occupy an important place in the basic source materials needed for language learning and teaching. It is the only source of information regarding the richness of the language The department has prepared a tri-lingual dictionary (Hindi-Punjabi- English) in three volumes, which was later publised by Govt. of India. Dictionary of Synonyms and Anonyms, dictionary of proverbs and idioms. Subject dictionaries in Economics, Zoology, Mathematics, Commerce and Business Management have been published by the department.
Subject dictionaries on Environment, Geography & Political Science are under preparation. 'Agriculture Atlas of Punjab' is unique work published by this department. Encyclopaediae of Punjabi Literary Genres like Kisa-Kav, Var Kav, Jagnamas, Punjabi Gazal, Lexicography etc. are also under preparation.
Preparation of Text Books in Punjabi under Medium Switch Over Scheme .
The Main aim of the Department is to prepare and publish high quality text books in Punjabi for under-graduate and post-graduate classes. In the 'medium switch over scheme' (1971), Punjabi was made the medium of instruction and examination for undergraduate courses in Arts, Sciences and Commerce . In 1981 the Syndicate allowed even postgraduate students and M.Phil students to opt for Punjabi as the medium of instruction.
To implement this scheme successfully, the need of the hour was to prepare basic material in Punjabi. This department undertook this responsibility with a sense of purpose and text books in all the subjects depending upon the changes in syllabi are published.
Preparation of General Books
Apart from text books, the department published general books in Sciences, Social Sciences, Punjabi Language, Literature and Culture. The department feels proud in publishing complete or selected works of prominent Punjabi writers. Books related to cultural heritage, religion, history, contribution of Punjab to India, and also related to freedom movement of India have been published by the department. During the centennial celebration of Mahatma Gandhi a number of books about the independence movement and our heroic tradition were published.
General books in the field of music, defence studies, economics, journalism, commerce, law, political science, psychology, education, business management and fine arts etc. have also been published.
Till date more than one thousand titles have been published by the department under these schemes.
Translation of World Classics in Punjabi
In 1963, the translation cell was established and Government of India accepted it as a translation agency. Later, it was made part of the department of Punjabi language development.
Under various schemes of the department, the translation of world classics in Punjabi as well as classics of Punjabi into English, Urdu and Hindi was undertaken by the department. Translation of literature written in South Indian languages and in Sanskrit has been carried out. Transliteration of Pakistani literature has also been undertaken by the department.
Works of literateurs like Shakespeare, Bernard Shaw, Ernest Hemingway, Jean Paul Sartre, Ruskin, Khalil Gibran have been translated into Punjabi by the Department.
To make noble prize laureates literature available to Punjabi readers the department has taken up the task of publishing the literature of noble prize laureates.
Not only Literary classics but renowned works of historians and thinkers of other fields have also been translated by the department. Till date 250 authors have been translated.
Popularisation of Science
Popularisation of science and Technology is one of the major activities of this department. Apart from text books which were prepared under the medium switch over scheme for under-graudate and postgraduate classes in different science subjects, general books on Environment, Health, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Space, Home Science, Computer and in the field of Forensic Science have been published and some are under preparation. The main aim of the department is to prepare high quality science literature in Punjabi to bring common man closer to science, to familiarise people with the method of science, to develop a scientific outlook, to make people aware about the environment related issues, health problems and with new or more useful technology. Effort is made to provide literature in simple script and to avoid unnecessary use of technical terms to bring science closer to non-scientific readers.
Recently, a workshop on " Enhancing science coverage in mass media" was organised in collaboration with State Council for Science and Technology Punjab. The main aim of the workshop was to identify and encourage potentially good writers and provide them training to develop skills for scientific writing.
Children's Literature
Our country's future depends upon children. The Department is fully aware of its duty towards their intellectual development. Some original books on children's literature have been published by the department, but Bal Vishav Kosh (Children's Encyclopaedia)in 4 volumes is a major project of the department which is specially conceived for the children of Global age. This will be the first encyclopaedia in Punjabi for children between 6 to 14 years of age.
Fellowships to Punjabi Scholars
The Department of Punjabi Development proudly acknowledges the co-operation it has been receiving from the academic world working in the field of Punjabi development. As a result, the department has instituted positions such as Professor of Enimence, ten Life Fellowships, five Senior Fellowships, 5 Fellowships and two Honorary Fellowships. These Fellowships are given to prominent Punjabi writers and their completed projects are published by the department. The academic profile of our honourable fellows is as follows :
ਪੇਸ਼ ਕੀਤੇ ਗਏ ਕੋਰਸ ਅਤੇ ਫੈਕਲਟੀ
Professor of Eminence
# | Dr. Attar Singh | 1.1.1994 to12.8.1994 |
# | Principal Sant Singh Sekhon | 15.12.1994 to 14.12.1996 |
# | Sh. Balwant Gargi | 30.7.1998 to 29.7.2000 |
# | Prof. Gurdial Singh | 17-5-02 to 16-5-04 |
Life fellows
# | Principal Sant Singh Sekhon | 15.5.1987 to 14.12. 1994 &15.12.1996 to 6. 10.1997 |
# | S. Piara Singh Padam | 9.8.1993 to 30.4.2001 |
# | Dr. Harkeerat Singh | 17.8.1993 onward |
# | S. Kirpal Singh Kasel | 12.8.1993 onward |
# | Professor Gulwant Singh | 16.8.1993 to 6.12.2000 |
# | Sh. Harnam Das Sehrai | 17.8.1993 to 12.1.2001 |
# | Dr. Surjeet Singh Sethi | 2.11.1994 to 20.3.1995 |
# | Dr. Dalip Kaur Tiwana | 8.11.1994 onward |
# | Dr. Surinder Singh Kohli | 3.1.1995 to 19.7.2003 |
# | S. Santokh Singh Dheer | 9.3.1995 onward |
# | Prof. Harbhajan Singh | 14.3.1995 to 20.10.02 |
# | Sh. Devinder Satyarthi | 8.9.1995 to 11.2.03 |
# | Sh. Hansraj Hans | 7-8-2001 onward |
# | Dr. Gurbachan Sing Nayyer | 12-10-01 onward |
# | Dr. Jagtar Singh Grewal | 22-7-03 onward |
# | Smt. Amrita Pritam | 29-7-03 onward |
# | Sh. Kuldeep Nayyer | 29-7-03 onward |
Senior fellows
# | Dr. Karnail Singh Thind | 5.8.1993 to 4.8.1995 |
# | Dr. Ram Murti Goel | 28.12.1993 to 11.6.1996 |
# | Dr. Surjeet Singh Haans | 1.1.1994 to 31.12. 1998 |
# | Dr. Surjeet Singh Dhillon | 1.6.1994 to 31.5.1999 |
# | Prof. Prithipal Singh Kapoor | 28.12.1996 to 4.12.1998 |
# | Sh. Harbhajan Halvarvi | 14.5.1997 to 15.12.1998 |
# | Sh. Balraj Pandit | 1.2.2000 to 31.1.2001 |
# | Dr. Harcharan Singh | 9-8-00 to 8-8-03 |
# | Dr. Harnaam Singh Shaan | 1.9.2000 to 31.8.2003 |
# | Dr. Kirpal Singh | 1.9.2000 to 31.8.2003 |
# | Dr. Gurbachan Singh Nayyer | 6.9.2000 to 11.10.2001 |
# | Sh. Ajoy Chakkarbarty | - |
Fellows
# | Sh. G.S. Reyal | 11.11.1992 to 10.11.1999 | |
# | Dr. Rajinder Singh Bhasin | 6.8.1993 to 5.8.1995 | |
# | Dr. Tarlochan Singh Bedi | 30.12.1993 to 29.12.1994 | |
# | Dr. Kirpal Singh Chabra | 21.1.1994 to 20.1.1995 | |
# | Dr. Prem Parkash Singh | 6.4.1994 to 5.4.1998 | |
# | Dr. Sudarshan Singh | 22.2.1995 to 21.2.1996 | |
# | Dr. M.P. Kohli | 28.2.1995 to 27.2.2000 | |
# | Dr. Jagtar Singh | 6.2.1997 to5.8.1999 | |
# | Sh. Harinder Singh Mehboob | 4.12.1998 to 3.12.2000 | |
# | Dr. Aatam Hamrahi | 8.12.1998 to 7.12.2000 | |
# | Dr. Surjeet Singh Dhillon | 1.11.2000 to 31.10.2003 | |
# | Dr. Rajinder Singh Lamba | 9-8-02 to 8-8-03 | |
# | Prof. Kirpal Kazak | 3-2-03 to 2-2-04 | |
# | Sh. Bakar Hussain | 29-7-03 to 30-11-2003 | |
Journals
The journal of any university is the symbol of intellect and thoughtful consciousness of that particular institution.
At present four journals "Punjabi University SABHYACHAR PATRIKA", " SAMAJIK VIGHYAN PATR", " VIGHYAN DE NAKSH" and "SAHITYA MARG " are being published.
SAMAJIK VIGHYAN PATR
This journal deals with social sciences. The aim of SAMAJIK VIGHYAN PATR is to spread the utilitarian and dialectical knowledge instead of imaginative information. 50 issues of this journal have been published so far. Some special issues such as 'Punjab Economy', 'Impact of media on Punjab' etc. had been published by the department. This 51 issue of SAMAJIK VIGHYAN PATR is being brought out as special issue on 'Gurmat sangeet'.
VIGHYAN DE NAKSH
Journal ' VIGHYAN DE NAKSH ' deals with sciences.It being published since 1968 and so far 39 issues have been published. 13 issues of another two journals 'Engineering Patrika' and 'Doctary Vighyan' have been published but now these two journals are not published independently but as a part of 'Vighyan De Naksh' only.
The main aim of this journal is to encourage our budding scientists to write popular articles in their mother tongue and to make people understand the latest advances in science and to bring out how science can help to improve quality of life.
PUNJABI UNIVERSITY SABHYACHAR PATRIKA
This journal is launched with the sole objective of bringing into focus the desirable methodical analysis of Punjabi culture. SABHYACHAR PATRIKA is designed to consolidate the research in the various domain of punjabi culture and to create an interaction among creative writers, researchers and scholars . Culturologists have given good response to this journal . The second issue of SABHYACHAR PATRIKA is a special issue on cultural study of Sri Guru Granth Sahib as it is dedicated to the 400th anniversary of the Parkash Divas of Sri Guru Granth Sahib.
SAHITYA MARG (Journal in Hindi)
Sahitya Marg is journal in Hindi, It is recognized and reviewed to make the excess of Punjabi literature to Hindi Readers. This journal publishes the translation of original literature of Punjabi. So far 17 issues have been published by the department.
11 issues of 'Sikhya Patrika' and "Puran Singh Studies" in five volumes was also published by the department.
Annual University Diary
One of the prime duty of our university is to honour, and to remember all renowned scholars, writers and torch-bearer of Punjabiat. According to university's well -meaning policy decision, the Annual Diary of Punjabi University is dedicated to an eminent Punjabi scholar or reputed writer. By showing our gratitude and respect we have dedicated our Annual Diaries to Bhai Mohan Singh Vaid, Lala Dhani Ram Chatrik, Waris Shah, Bhai Kahn Singh Nabha, Dr. Mohan Singh Diwana, Principal Teja Singh, Bhai Veer Singh, S. Nanak Singh, Sh. Sobha Singh, Professor Mohan Singh, S. Gurbax Singh Preetlari, S. Kulwant Singh Virk, Dr. Attar Singh, Master Tara Singh and P. Sant Singh Sekhon. In these annual diaries we have also recorded and paid required respect to some important historical events such as Khalsa Tricentury Celebrations, University Silver Jubilee Celebrations, All India Science Conference, etc. Annual Diary of 2004 is being dedicated to 400th anniversary of Guru Granth Sahib Parkash Divas.
Significant Research Projects in Hand
- Children's Encyclopaedia (4 volumes)
- Punjab (5 volumes)
- Subjects Dictionaries
- Encyclopaedia of Punjabi Literary Genres
- Punjabi translation of Nobel laureates literature
- Complete works of Prominent Punjabi Writers
- Monographs of Punjabi Historians\ Artists\ thinkers
DR. PARMINDERJIT KAUR
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headofdpd@gmail.com
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Last Updated on:
11-06-2021