GNDU hosts first World Punjabi Conference; Rs 1 crore announced for AI Centre
Babushahi Bureau
Amritsar (Punjab), February 21, 2026: The three-day first World Punjabi Conference commenced with grandeur at the Golden Jubilee Convention Centre of Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), bringing together eminent scholars, policymakers, technologists, and members of the Punjabi diaspora to deliberate on the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of Punjabi language, culture, and society.
Member of Parliament Vikramjit Singh Sahney announced a grant of ₹1 crore for the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Centre at the university. He said the initiative would equip students to engage with emerging global technologies while strengthening their linguistic and cultural foundations. Emphasising that Punjabi identity reflects centuries of resilience and heritage, he noted that the language now stands at a critical juncture where tradition must align meaningfully with innovation.
Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh, welcoming delegates from India and abroad, described the conference as a forward-looking academic and cultural initiative. He underlined that while AI represents one of the most significant contemporary knowledge domains, technology must remain guided by ethical consciousness. “The true success of human–machine interaction lies in ensuring that technology serves human sensitivity rather than replacing it,” he observed, adding that Punjabi must be rendered in machine-readable formats to secure its place in evolving digital ecosystems.
Speakers highlighted that AI, though born of human intellect, must function within moral and spiritual frameworks. They stressed that ethical awareness is central to ensuring balanced human–machine engagement. Former Chief Secretary K.B.S. Sidhu noted that the deliberations could produce a roadmap linking Punjabi language with global technological systems, while former MP Tarlochan Singh emphasised AI’s potential in preserving literature, folklore, and historical heritage.
Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of Punjab Agricultural University, pointed out that with nearly 150 million speakers worldwide, Punjabi possesses significant potential in the AI era, though he cautioned that biases in human-generated data must be addressed responsibly. Punjab MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal also assured financial support for the AI Centre on behalf of the state government.
During the inaugural session, distinguished personalities who have contributed significantly to Punjabi identity were honoured, including humanitarian Surinder Pal Singh Oberoi, entrepreneur Charanjit Singh Bath, industrialist Ranjit Singh, and Swinder Pal Singh for his voluntary service at Sri Harmandir Sahib.
The conference also featured a theatrical presentation titled “1675,” based on the martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur, underscoring the enduring relevance of spiritual values in the age of Artificial Intelligence. The event will continue over the next two days with academic sessions, panel discussions, and a kavi darbar aimed at formulating strategies to integrate Punjabi language and heritage with emerging technological frameworks.