Peerzada Sayeed
Poonch, Oct 5 (JKNS): The Sikh Youth Council Poonch on Sunday organised a protest march in support of the ongoing day-and-night dharna being held by Sikh representatives in Jammu, demanding the recognition of Punjabi as an official language and greater emphasis on its preservation and promotion.
The protest march began from Gurdwara Singh Sabha and proceeded towards Qila Market, with members of the Sikh community raising slogans in support of the Punjabi language and stressing the need to protect their linguistic, cultural and religious heritage.
Addressing the gathering, members of the Sikh Youth Council said Punjabi is their mother tongue and forms an integral part of Sikh identity, literature, history and religious tradition. They maintained that preserving Punjabi is essential for ensuring that younger generations remain connected with their cultural and literary heritage.
The protesters particularly emphasised the importance of teaching Punjabi in Gurmukhi script in schools, colleges and universities. They argued that unless children are given opportunities to learn and read Punjabi, future generations could face difficulties in accessing their own literature and understanding important religious texts in their original linguistic traditions.
The participants also highlighted the significance of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, describing it as a central source of Sikh spiritual and literary heritage. They said knowledge of Punjabi and Gurmukhi is important for those who wish to read and understand Gurbani and perform Paath.
Members of the Sikh Youth Council said the demand for official recognition of Punjabi should be viewed in the context of preserving the linguistic rights and cultural identity of the community. They extended their support to the Sikh protesters conducting the day-and-night dharna in Jammu and appealed for meaningful consideration of their demands.
The march witnessed participation from members of the Sikh community, youth and other supporters. Speakers at the protest called upon the community to encourage children to learn Punjabi and Gurmukhi at home and in educational institutions.
The protesters said that language is not merely a means of communication but also a vehicle through which history, literature, traditions and values are transmitted from one generation to another. They stressed that concerted efforts are required to ensure that Punjabi continues to flourish among the younger generation.
The protest concluded at Qila Market, where participants reiterated their support for the ongoing agitation and urged the authorities to take steps towards the promotion and preservation of Punjabi in the region.(JKNS)
