CHANDIGARH; May 14, 2026: Member of Parliament Malvinder Singh Kang has called upon the University Chancellor to address the “painful erasure” of the Punjabi language from the nameplates and signboards of Panjab University. In a communication sent on Thursday, the lawmaker stated that the omission of the Gurmukhi script from newly installed boards at key buildings is not merely an administrative lapse but a deliberate attempt to snatch away the cultural identity of the people of Punjab.
The issue surfaced during recent accessibility upgrades where the administration prominently displayed Hindi and English but sidelined the mother tongue of the region. Kang affirmed that for an institution whose roots run deep into the soil of Punjab, such a move sends a distressing message to students, faculty, and alumni who view the university as their emotional home. “The soul of Panjab University will not be hijacked. Punjabi must be restored with full prominence on every board,” Kang declared.
The MP sought specific directions for the university administration, including the immediate inclusion of Punjabi script with due prominence on all existing and new signage. He also proposed the formulation of a policy to safeguard the linguistic character of the premier institution against future marginalization. The MP maintained that the university has always reflected a pluralistic spirit, which is currently under threat due to these administrative changes.
The protest follows recent reports of army schools in the state prioritizing Sanskrit over Punjabi, a trend that Kang noted has wounded regional sentiments. He stated that Punjab is watching the administration’s actions closely and urged the office of the Vice President to intervene at the earliest to address this grievance amicably. The Chancellor has been requested to ensure that the historical and regional character of the university is upheld in all future beautification and infrastructure projects.
