CHANDIGARH, AUGUST 2: Citing the recent appointment of the Governor of Punjab, where the notification was read out solely in English and Hindi, Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has urged the President of India to include regional languages in all official notifications related to constitutional appointees.
In a letter to the President, Sandhwan highlighted, “On July 31, 2024, during the oath ceremony of the Governor of Punjab, the appointment notification issued by your Secretariat was read in English and Hindi. Unfortunately, the notification was not available in Punjabi. This omission has caused disappointment and concern among the people of Punjab. While we value English and Hindi as official languages, it is essential to honor the linguistic diversity of our nation, as variety is the spice of life.”
Sandhwan further requested, “I humbly propose that, moving forward, all notifications related to constitutional appointees include the regional language alongside English and Hindi. This small but meaningful step would acknowledge the cultural richness of a region and foster a sense of inclusivity and respect for linguistic diversity.”
Emphasizing the importance of regional languages in a diverse country like India, Sandhwan noted, “Different states of India are a melting pot of rich cultural heritage and vibrant linguistic traditions. Native languages are not merely means of communication; they are the heart and soul of people’s identity, history, and emotions. The warmth and affection that a regional language conveys cannot be adequately expressed in any other language.”
“By giving due recognition to regional languages, we can strengthen the bonds of unity and understanding among our citizens and fortify our great nation with unity in diversity,” he concluded.
