GNDU to initiate dialogue on ethical use of AI in Punjabi language

Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) is set to host several scholars and literature experts of Punjabi language as it organises the World Punjabi Conference on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in the development of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat, from February 20-22. The event seeks to initiate a dialogue on the use and impact of artificial intelligence on the Punjabi language and its status in the face of this challenge.

Vice Chancellor Professor Karamjeet Singh said that Punjabi, a language wrapped in a rich history of thousands of years, now stands at a juncture where the combination of tradition and modern technology has become inevitable. “In this context, the World Punjabi Conference will prove to be a milestone in the digital journey of Punjabiyat,” he said.

He explained that artificial intelligence, in simple terms, involves machines imitating human intelligence through learning, reasoning and self-correction. Today, models like ChatGPT, Gemini and Grok show that machines can not only perform calculations but also write poetry, translate languages and suggest solutions to complex problems. In the contemporary era, machine intelligence is not just a technological development but an intellectual paradigm that is redefining ancient concepts of human existence, language and morality. For a language as rich as Punjabi, this technology presents a philosophical challenge.

Professor Singh asked whether a mathematical algorithm can capture the cultural sensibility that has emerged from thousands of years of human experience. From an academic perspective, he added, language is not only a means of communication but also the basis of thought.

He noted that the ethical aspects of this technological transformation are extremely serious and complex. “The biggest ethical questions relate to impartiality and bias. Machine intelligence learns from data generated by humans. If available data contains bias towards a particular region, caste, or gender, the machine will multiply that bias,” he said. In the context of Punjabiyat, there is fear that world-class AI models may suppress local idioms and moral values under Western epistemology. Moreover, technologies like virtual reality and deep fakes have blurred the line between truth and falsehood.

The university has set up a Centre for Ethical AI in memory of the late Punjabi poet Surjit Patar, supported by the Punjab government. This centre is intended to become a hub for addressing concerns about AI’s impact on Punjabi language and culture. Patar believed that AI intervention is inevitable, and using this technology as a tool to strengthen the global reach of Punjabi language and Punjabiyat could be a game changer.

“With AI, Punjabi literature can be instantly translated into more than 100 languages of the world. This will allow the writings of Waris Shah and Pash to reach global readers,” Professor Singh added. He also noted that the previous lack of Punjabi digital data was a limitation, but now there is no shortage of online Punjabi content.

A large data set is being created through social media and e-books and organisations such as the Surjit Patar Centre for Ethical AI are working on organising this data and developing their own Punjabi large language models.

AI-based keyboards have made the use of the Gurmukhi script extremely easy and popular among the youth.

Padma Bhushan awardees Tarlochan Singh and Sardara Singh Johal, former chief secretary KBS Sidhu and Dr Sardara Singh Johal are among the eminent personalities participating in the conference. Other prominent participants include Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh and Sant Baba Mahendra Singh UK Wale.

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