JAMMU, Oct 3: The demand for restoring Punjabi as an official language of Jammu and Kashmir has gained fresh momentum, with Sikh organisations, community representatives and individuals intensifying a peaceful campaign and urging the Government to reconsider Punjabi’s exclusion from the Union Territory’s official-language framework.
Under the banner of Sikh Sangat, various organisations and community members have participated in peaceful protests, rallies and dharnas. The campaign is now seeking to take the issue to appropriate democratic forums, including Parliament, while calling for a united community response to the demand.
The issue stems from the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020, under which Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi and English were recognised as official languages of the Union Territory. Punjabi was not included in the official-language list under Section 3. However, Section 4 provides for efforts towards the promotion and development of Gojri, Pahari and Punjabi.
Punjabi’s exclusion dates back to the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Bill, 2020, which was introduced in Parliament in September 2020. While Punjabi was not granted official-language status, it was included among the languages identified for promotion and development. Punjabi is also included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.
The issue has remained a concern among sections of the Sikh and Punjabi-speaking community and has previously been raised in the Rajya Sabha by Sikh MPs from Punjab, who drew attention to Punjabi’s exclusion from the official-language framework of Jammu and Kashmir.
The campaign has recently returned to the streets of Jammu. A rally held on September 30 witnessed the participation of women, children, youth, senior citizens and community representatives. The rally began from Gurdwara Rani Talab, Digiana, passed through several areas and concluded at the Gurdwara Sahib. Another demonstration was held on September 29, when participants demanded official recognition and institutional support for Punjabi. The day was observed by members of the community as a Black Day in protest against the exclusion of Punjabi.
Community representatives said the objective of the ongoing peaceful dharna and forthcoming programmes is to ensure that the demand reaches the Government and Parliament through a clear, united and democratic voice. They emphasised that the issue extends beyond official recognition and is linked to the preservation of language, cultural identity, education and heritage, particularly for younger generations.
Concerns have also been raised about the institutional position of Punjabi in universities and colleges, including teaching opportunities and academic posts. Community members have questioned whether Punjabi’s position within the official-language framework has affected academic opportunities and vacancies. However, such claims would require verification through official records of the concerned institutions.
Amid the campaign, community leaders have also stressed that government recognition alone cannot ensure the survival of Punjabi. Sikh families are being urged to speak Punjabi at home, while Gurdwara committees and Sikh organisations are being encouraged to establish regular Punjabi classes for children.
The proposal includes organising district-wise and mohalla-wise Punjabi classes at Gurdwaras, community centres and other suitable locations. Teachers, volunteers and Punjabi-language experts could be involved in helping children learn to speak, read and write the language.
Renowned social activist Parvinder Singh has appealed to Sikh organisations and Gurdwara committees to support the demand and work collectively for the preservation of Punjabi. He said the community must pursue its demand through peaceful and democratic means while also taking responsibility for ensuring that children continue to learn and use the language.
Singh also called upon organisations to rise above individual and organisational differences, stating that the issue concerns the community’s shared language and heritage. He urged Sikhs across Jammu and Kashmir to participate in the ongoing peaceful dharna and forthcoming programmes.
With the campaign gaining momentum, the Sikh Sangat is pursuing a two-pronged approach—a democratic demand for the restoration of Punjabi as an official language of Jammu and Kashmir and a grassroots effort to ensure that children continue to speak, read and write Punjabi.
The community is seeking a meaningful response from the Government while simultaneously urging families, Gurdwaras and community institutions to take greater responsibility for preserving Punjabi as a living language for future generations.