The minister also promised that the notion of dispensing Punjabi language as an optional subject in every college and university will be observed.
Vice Chancellor Dr. Uzma Qureshi was of the opinion that such international conferences provide an appropriate and encouraging platform for educational and research institutions. More over with the participation of foreign scholars it has become possible for the natives to enhance and broaden their vision and horizon in the field of research.
Chairperson Punjabi Department, LCWU Dr. Mujahida Butt told the participants about the conference’s schedule, themes and different programs including songs, qawali, puppet show and poetic symposium. Chairman Evacuee Trust Properties Board Sadique al Farooq and Patiala University India’s Dr. Jasbeer Kor and Dr. Dhanwant Kor were among the keynote speakers.
Addressing the large number of audience, Minister Higher Education Syed Raza Ali Gillani thanked to the organizers of this conference and for calling him at opening session of this conference. He said that when we are insulting or abusing someone we use Punjabi language and when we are talking to our seniors we use English while Punjabi is our mother language and English is an international language, we should finish this distance between the languages and promote our mother language. He also said that when I am out of country, I use my mother language to represent my homeland. They have no moral values and culture, they only use one language but luckily, we have multi languages. We should make our-self better so that they adopt our culture. He said that this conference will play a vital role in promoting our mother language and will help to renew our culture.
Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University Dr. Uzma Qureshi said that Punjabi language give us the lesson of love, peace and harmony and we are expressing this love through this conference we will promote Punjabi as mother tongue all over the world. The love rhyme of Baba Fareed Ganjh Shakar, Shah Hussain, Waris Shah, Mian Mohammad Bukhsh and Khawaja Ghulam Fareed will reflect all over the world.
LCWU Chairperson Punjabi Department Dr. Mujahida Butt welcomed all the national and international guests.
There was the inauguration ceremony of Punjabi journal “Chathnaar” for women. Lok Geet presented by special students. First paper was present by Dr. Dhanwant Kor. Punjabi Department (LCWU) also signed an MOU with Punjabi Adabi Board, Patyala University and PILAC. Execution of “Baba Nanak Chair” was also another feature of the conference. To promote the Punjabi culture there were also the “Bhand Program, Putli Tamasha, Cultural Walk and execution of Qawali” for the audience.
Dr. Jasber Kor from India, Mohammad Akram Saeed from Sheikhupura, Mohammad Munir Gujjar from Sargodha, Mrs. Asma Qadari from Punjab University, Dr. Simran Kor from India, Dr. Samina Batool from Lahore College for Women University and Dr. Nighat Khurshid expressed their thoughts about the Punjabi literature and culture.
A large number of faculty members, staff and students were present there. The conference remained continue during December 21-23.