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Department History

Date of Establishment of the Department: 1965

The Department of Development of Punjabi Language was conceived and established in 1965 by the well wishers of Punjabi language, scholars of Punjabi and builders of modern Punjab. The founding of this department was regarded as a major event in the progress of Punjabi Culture and History. To fulfill this objective the following significant steps were taken :

• Establishment of Punjabi Development Department as the central body for the development of Punjabi language.
• The Establishment of Punjabi Development Fund (DPL).

After identifying and selecting areas which needed overall development and in order to effectively manage this activity, several schemes, units of organizations were envisaged.

At present the following department / units are being managed out of DPL Fund :

• Punjabi Literary Studies Department
• Punjabi Lexicography Department
• Theatre and TV Department
• Journalism and Mass Communication
• Publication Bureau

In addition, Punjabi Reference Library, Museum and Art Gallery, Publicity and Public Relations Department, Honours School in Punjabi, Holiday Home and Art Gallery of Andhreta and Waris Bhawan also lies with this fund. The activities of all these departments though seemingly separate, yet converge on the role and mission of Punjabi and Punjab's cultural development.

Punjabi Language Development is a multifaculty department which comprises a competent team of experts belonging to various fields of studies, text book cell and translation cell is part and parcel of this department. The all-round development of Punjabi language, Literature and culture is the main objective of this Department. This department has dedicated itself to the objective envisaged by the founders of the department and has played a unique role in establishing a unique identity of this university.

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ਤਜਵੀਜ਼ ਫਾਰਮ

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Major Schemes:

Production of resource material

Reference Books and Subject Dictionaries in Punjabi

Reference books and dictionaries occupy an important place in the basic source materials needed for language learning and teaching. It is the only source of information regarding the richness of the language The department has prepared a tri-lingual dictionary (Hindi-Punjabi- English) in three volumes, which was later publised by Govt. of India. Dictionary of Synonyms and Anonyms, dictionary of proverbs and idioms. Subject dictionaries in Economics, Zoology, Mathematics, Commerce and Business Management have been published by the department. Subject dictionaries on Environment, Geography & Political Science are under preparation. 'Agriculture Atlas of Punjab' is unique work published by this department. Encyclopaediae of Punjabi Literary Genres like Kisa-Kav, Var Kav, Jagnamas, Punjabi Gazal, Lexicography etc. are also under preparation.

Preparation of Text Books in Punjabi under Medium Switch Over Scheme .

The Main aim of the Department is to prepare and publish high quality text books in Punjabi for under-graduate and post-graduate classes. In the 'medium switch over scheme' (1971), Punjabi was made the medium of instruction and examination for undergraduate courses in Arts, Sciences and Commerce . In 1981 the Syndicate allowed even postgraduate students and M.Phil students to opt for Punjabi as the medium of instruction. To implement this scheme successfully, the need of the hour was to prepare basic material in Punjabi. This department undertook this responsibility with a sense of purpose and text books in all the subjects depending upon the changes in syllabi are published.

Preparation of General Books

Apart from text books, the department published general books in Sciences, Social Sciences, Punjabi Language, Literature and Culture. The department feels proud in publishing complete or selected works of prominent Punjabi writers. Books related to cultural heritage, religion, history, contribution of Punjab to India, and also related to freedom movement of India have been published by the department. During the centennial celebration of Mahatma Gandhi a number of books about the independence movement and our heroic tradition were published. General books in the field of music, defence studies, economics, journalism, commerce, law, political science, psychology, education, business management and fine arts etc. have also been published. Till date more than one thousand titles have been published by the department under these schemes.

Translation of World Classics in Punjabi

In 1963, the translation cell was established and Government of India accepted it as a translation agency. Later, it was made part of the department of Punjabi language development. Under various schemes of the department, the translation of world classics in Punjabi as well as classics of Punjabi into English, Urdu and Hindi was undertaken by the department. Translation of literature written in South Indian languages and in Sanskrit has been carried out. Transliteration of Pakistani literature has also been undertaken by the department. Works of literateurs like Shakespeare, Bernard Shaw, Ernest Hemingway, Jean Paul Sartre, Ruskin, Khalil Gibran have been translated into Punjabi by the Department. To make noble prize laureates literature available to Punjabi readers the department has taken up the task of publishing the literature of noble prize laureates. Not only Literary classics but renowned works of historians and thinkers of other fields have also been translated by the department. Till date 250 authors have been translated.

Popularisation of Science

Popularisation of science and Technology is one of the major activities of this department. Apart from text books which were prepared under the medium switch over scheme for under-graudate and postgraduate classes in different science subjects, general books on Environment, Health, Agriculture, Biotechnology, Space, Home Science, Computer and in the field of Forensic Science have been published and some are under preparation. The main aim of the department is to prepare high quality science literature in Punjabi to bring common man closer to science, to familiarise people with the method of science, to develop a scientific outlook, to make people aware about the environment related issues, health problems and with new or more useful technology. Effort is made to provide literature in simple script and to avoid unnecessary use of technical terms to bring science closer to non-scientific readers. Recently, a workshop on " Enhancing science coverage in mass media" was organised in collaboration with State Council for Science and Technology Punjab. The main aim of the workshop was to identify and encourage potentially good writers and provide them training to develop skills for scientific writing.

Children's Literature

Our country's future depends upon children. The Department is fully aware of its duty towards their intellectual development. Some original books on children's literature have been published by the department, but Bal Vishav Kosh (Children's Encyclopaedia)in 4 volumes is a major project of the department which is specially conceived for the children of Global age. This will be the first encyclopaedia in Punjabi for children between 6 to 14 years of age.

Fellowships to Punjabi Scholars

The Department of Punjabi Development proudly acknowledges the co-operation it has been receiving from the academic world working in the field of Punjabi development. As a result, the department has instituted positions such as Professor of Enimence, ten Life Fellowships, five Senior Fellowships, 5 Fellowships and two Honorary Fellowships. These Fellowships are given to prominent Punjabi writers and their completed projects are published by the department. The academic profile of our honourable fellows is as follows :

Courses Offered and Faculty

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