Amritsar, February 20, 2026(Yes Punjab News)
The first three-day World Punjabi Conference began with grandeur at Golden Jubilee Convenction Centre, Guru Nanak Dev University, bringing together eminent scholars, policymakers, technologists, and representatives of Punjabi diaspora to deliberate on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the future of Punjabi language, culture, and society.
Member of Parliament Vikramjit Singh Sahney announced a grant of ₹1 crore for establishing an Artificial Intelligence Centre at the university, stating that the initiative would help align students with emerging global technologies while strengthening linguistic and cultural roots.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh welcomed delegates from India and abroad, describing the conference as a forward-looking initiative that would guide future academic and cultural engagement. He observed that Artificial Intelligence is presently one of the most significant areas of knowledge, but emphasised that technology must remain a tool guided by ethical consciousness.
“The real success of human–machine interaction will lie in ensuring that technology serves human sensitivity rather than replacing it,” he said, expressing confidence that Punjabi would emerge as a language capable of engaging meaningfully with the future in the digital age.
He observed that Artificial Intelligence (AI) should not be viewed as a threat to Punjabi but as a historic opportunity to expand its global relevance. He noted that while AI can generate information, process data and perform computations, the faculties of understanding, ethical direction and value-based judgement remain inherently human.
Emphasising that Punjabi is not merely a language but a lived philosophy, he urged young people to see themselves as “possibility rather than data,” asserting that human imagination and creativity surpass algorithmic capability. He added that languages endure only when they engage with the future, and underscored the need to render Punjabi in machine-readable formats to strengthen its presence in emerging technological ecosystems.
Speakers underlined that while AI—born of human intellect—is reshaping the world, its direction must remain rooted in spiritual and ethical awareness. They stressed that humanity must recognise its inner identity under the guidance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib before confronting technological transformations.
Former Chief Secretary K. B. S. Sidhu noted that deliberations at the conference could lead to a roadmap connecting Punjabi language with global technological systems. He highlighted that the event seeks to integrate AI not only with technical disciplines but also with language, literature, and culture.
Former Member of Parliament Tarlochan Singh said AI could play a transformative role in preserving Punjabi literature, folklore, and historical heritage while enabling their wider dissemination.
Member of Parliament S. Vikramjit Singh Sahney said that Punjabi identity represents a distinctive way of life shaped through centuries of struggle and resilience. He observed that the Punjabi language, with its rich heritage spanning thousands of years, stands today at a critical juncture where tradition must engage meaningfully with modern technology.
Emphasising the need to harmonise cultural legacy with contemporary innovation, he announced a grant of ₹1 crore for the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Centre at Guru Nanak Dev University, noting that such an initiative would help integrate linguistic heritage with emerging technological frameworks while preparing future generations for a rapidly evolving digital world.
Dr. Deepak Manmohan Singh pointed to challenges such as the growing inclination of youth towards English and the limited digital presence of Punjabi, suggesting that AI tools could help bridge these gaps.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, remarked that with nearly 150 million speakers, Punjabi holds strong potential in the AI era. He cautioned, however, that machine intelligence learns from human-generated data, and biases present in datasets could be amplified if not addressed responsibly.
Punjab MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal observed that as the world undergoes the Fourth Industrial Revolution, linguistic and cultural concerns must remain central to technological advancement, warning against the marginalisation of local idioms and value systems.He also assured financial support for AI Centre on behalf of Punjab Government.
During the inaugural session, distinguished personalities who have contributed significantly to Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabi identity were honoured. Among them were Surinder Pal Singh Oberoi, internationally known for humanitarian work; Charanjit Singh Bath, founder of Bath Farms (USA) and a leading global raisin producer; Ranjit Singh, an industrialist and promoter of sports among youth; and Swinder Pal Singh, known for decades of voluntary service at Sri Harmandir Sahib.
Earlier, Dr. Manjinder Singh, Head of the School of Punjabi Studies, said that the structured development and global promotion of Punjabi language, literature, and culture remain central to the university’s mission. He expressed hope that the conference would become a milestone in Punjabi’s digital journey.
A theatrical production titled “1675,” dedicated to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, was staged during the conference. Written by Amarjit Singh Grewal and directed by Keval Dhaliwal, the play highlighted the enduring relevance of the Guru’s sacrifice in the age of Artificial Intelligence.
The conference will continue over the next two days with academic sessions, panel discussions, and a kavi darbar (poets’ gathering), aiming to formulate strategies for integrating Punjabi language and heritage with emerging technological ecosystems.
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