CM Mann Inspires Punjabi Youth Through International Language Olympiad
The initiative fosters pride in Punjabi identity and promotes the language globally through competitions, prizes, and cultural learning.
Punjab News: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, has started the International Punjabi Language Olympiad (IPLO) to help young Punjabis living abroad stay connected with their mother tongue. Punjabi is not just a language but a symbol of identity for people from Punjab. Many children growing up outside the state were losing touch with it. This Olympiad gives them a chance to learn about their culture, heritage, and language while winning prizes. It is both a competition and a celebration of Punjabi pride, helping families keep their children connected to their roots.
Reviving the Love for Punjabi Among Youth
The Mann government has turned the Olympiad into more than a program—it is now a movement. This initiative emotionally links young Punjabis to their culture, teaching them the value of Ma Boli, the mother tongue. Children living overseas often lose touch with Punjabi, missing out on learning about their history and literature. The Olympiad acts as a bridge, introducing them to Punjabi heritage and fostering pride in their identity. It is not just about language skills; it creates a cultural connection among Punjabis worldwide. Even if physically apart, their hearts, language, and traditions remain united. The Olympiad shows that language is more than words—it carries emotions, culture, and identity.
Global Platform and Cultural Pride
At a time when languages are fading in the age of globalization, this initiative gives Punjabi a global presence. The Mann government aims to spread the language of Punjab worldwide. The AAP government organizes the Olympiad with support from the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB). State Education and Language Minister S. Harjot Singh Bains stated that the government wants to promote Punjabi globally, and the Olympiad is a creative step in this direction. Held annually, the Olympiad has grown in scale, with students from India, the USA, Australia, Europe, and other countries participating. The first Olympiad took place online in December 2023, the second in December 2024, and the third is scheduled for 2025, with registrations open online. Open to students from Class 3 to 12, the test features 50 questions in 40 minutes, with prizes for top performers. Chief Minister Mann has also ensured Punjabi is promoted through school subjects and signboards, showing the government’s strong emotional commitment to the language. The Olympiad is not just a program but a heartfelt campaign, giving every Punjabi a chance to take pride in their roots and culture.
