Language remark kicks storm, Punjabi writers seek apology

Tribune News Service

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Patiala, Septmeber 16

Days after Punjabi language was allegedly “insulted” by terming it a language of brawl and abuses during an event held on the “Hindi Divas”, the Punjabi Kendri Lekhak Sabha, sought an apology from an Urdu poet who made the above said remarks.

On Friday, a function was held at the Language Department, wherein Sardar Panchi, Urdu poet, allegedly termed Punjabi a language of brawl and abuses which created storm during the event. Tejwant Mann, president, Punjabi Kendri Lekhak, who was present at the event, raised objections over the comments. However, he was heckled and deterred from speaking.

Hukam Chand Rajpal, a Hindi writer, allegedly, threatened Mann and said, “You wait for two years, we will show what Hindi language is?” Following this Mann refused to accept any honour as a mark of protest. The video of the stir has gone viral on social media.

Mann said, “The poet and writer should apologise for their comments against Punjabi language. They can express their love for any language, but they cannot put any language in a bad light. It was an attempt to spread hatred.”