Amritsar, February 17, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Guru Nanak Dev University will soon launch an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based programme to teach Punjabi language to Punjabis living across the world. This was announced by Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) Karamjeet Singh during a press conference held at the university ahead of the three-day “World Punjabi Conference” scheduled from February 20 to 22, 2026.
Addressing mediapersons, the Vice-Chancellor said that following the conference, efforts would be intensified to connect students with future-oriented technology and strengthen Punjabi on the global digital platform through collaborations with world-class universities. Under this initiative, plans are underway for sponsorship of IT and AI labs with participation from the NRI community, international certificate courses for students, and scholarships.
Prof Karamjit Singh revealed that under the “Punjabi First” theme, academic theses would be converted into Punjabi with AI assistance to make knowledge accessible to the common people. Authentic sources related to the history of Guru Sahiban and Punjabi heritage would be compiled and made available on digital platforms, for which a special AI team would be formed.
He also announced that dual certificate/degree courses would be started in collaboration with foreign universities, offering scholarships to 30 to 40 students. This would provide Punjab’s youth new opportunities to learn world-class technology.
The main theme of the three-day “World Punjabi Conference” is “Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat”. The conference aims to explore future possibilities of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat in the context of AI.
A large number of Mediapersonals were present on this occasion. Those present at the press conference included Dr K.S. Chahal (Registrar), Dr Shalini Behl (Controller of Examinations), Dr Vandana Bhalla (Director Research), Dr Satnam Singh Deol (Dean Students Welfare), Dr Balwinder Singh (Coordinator, Golden Jubilee Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation), Prof. Vasudha Samyal, Professor Inhcarge PR, Dr Ravinder Kumar (Director Hospitality), Dr Sunil Kumar (Dean Languages), and Sh. Praveen Puri (Director Public Relations).
Conference Coordinator Dr Manjinder Singh said that systematic development, promotion and propagation of Punjabi language, literature and culture are among GNDU’s core objectives. He said that the inaugural session will be held on February 20, 2026 at 2:30 pm at the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre, Guru Nanak Bhawan.
It will be presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) Karamjeet Singh, with keynote address by S KBS Sidhu (former Chief Secretary, Punjab). Chief guest will be S. Tarlochan Singh (former Member of Parliament), while special guests include S Vikramjit Singh Sahni (Member, Rajya Sabha) and Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh. Vote of thanks will be proposed by Dr Harvinder Singh Saini (Dean Academic Affairs).
The Vice-Chancellor emphasised that AI is currently the most important subject in the field of knowledge, making in-depth discussion essential to keep pace with the times. Preserving Punjabi language and heritage in the AI era and presenting it proudly on the world stage is the need of the hour, and this conference is being organised for that purpose.
He added that on the evening of February 20, a play “1675” dedicated to the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji would be staged, while an international poets’ darbar would be held on February 21. Academic sessions during the conference would feature discussions on Punjabi language, AI, sports, culture, economy and other topics. Leading personalities from abroad have promised to sponsor IT labs for the university.
Prof Karamjeet Singh announced that eight eminent personalities who have brought glory to Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat at the global level would be honoured.
These include: Sant Baba Mahinder Singh UK Wale (Head, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha), S Sardara Singh Johal (Padma Bhushan awardee), S Surinderpal Singh Ubrai (renowned social worker), S Charanjit Singh Bath (renowned businessman and social worker), S Ranjit Singh (renowned businessman and sports patron), S Swinderpal Singh (devotee of Guru Ghar), S Kanwarpal Singh Suri (renowned scientist), and S Baldev Kang (international industrialist).
Brief profiles of the honourees were shared, highlighting their contributions in Sikh propagation, agriculture economics, social service, business, sports patronage, sewa at Darbar Sahib, science and industry.
Dr Manjinder Singh said the valedictory session would be held on February 22 afternoon in the conference hall, presided over by the Vice-Chancellor, with Colonel Jasmer Singh Bala as chief guest, and Prof Jagdeep Singh (Vice-Chancellor, Punjabi University, Patiala) and Prof Balkar Singh as special guests. Valedictory address would be delivered by S Amarjit Singh Grewal.
Prominent participants from India and abroad include S Darshan Singh Dhaliwal, S Rajvinder Singh Boparai, Dr Gurmohan Singh and Dr Ravinder Singh Kang. Scholars, litterateurs and students have been invited for active participation to make the conference a major platform for knowledge, dialogue and cultural exchange.
Prof. H.S. Saini presented vote of thanks at the end of the conference.
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