Writers stage protest in Chandigarh’s Sector 17 against ‘Anti-Punjabi’ policies; Demand strong protection for Mother Tongue
Babushai Bureau
Chandigarh, May 22, 2026: A protest was held today in Sector 17, Chandigarh, where around 70–80 writers, intellectuals, and literary figures from across Punjab gathered under the banner of the Central Punjabi Writers’ Association to oppose what they described as “anti-Punjabi decisions” and to assert the rights of the Punjabi language.
The demonstration was organized under the leadership of association president Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha, with participation from poets, scholars, journalists, farmers, politicians, filmmakers, and social activists.
The protest saw strong opposition to a recent decision reportedly prioritizing Sanskrit over Punjabi in Army school curricula in Punjab. Participants termed the move discriminatory and unacceptable, demanding immediate withdrawal of the circular and reaffirming that Punjabi must remain central in education and public life in the state.
Speakers also expressed concern over what they described as the gradual sidelining of Punjabi within key institutions in the state, including Panjab University Chandigarh, alleging that the language is not being given its rightful place in administration and academic functioning.
They strongly emphasized the implementation of the Punjab Official Language Act 2008, calling for Punjabi to be made mandatory up to Class 10 in all government, semi-government, private, and affiliated schools, including CBSE and ICSE institutions. They also demanded strict enforcement of language provisions, including accountability measures for officials not working in Punjabi, and reiterated calls for court proceedings to be conducted in the mother tongue.
The gathering further raised long-standing demands, including the transfer of Chandigarh to Punjab and the handing over of Panjab University’s administrative control to the state.
Prominent speakers at the event included writers, journalists, and public intellectuals such as Swarajbir, Hameer Singh, and other cultural figures, who stressed that the struggle for language rights must continue in a united and sustained manner.
The protest began with opening remarks by Darshan Buttar and was conducted by storyteller Deep Devinder Singh, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Yatinder Kaur Mahal. A memorandum addressed to the Prime Minister and Home Minister of India was submitted through the Punjab Governor, listing the key demands of the writers’ body.
Participants concluded the gathering with a call for wider public awareness, urging citizens across Punjab to remain vigilant and united in protecting and promoting the Punjabi language in all spheres of public life.