Urdu poet apologises for ‘offensive’ remarks on Punjabi language

Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala, September 17 

After his comments on Punjabi language stoked controversy among the writers in the state, Urdu poet Sardar Panchi on Tuesday apologised for his comments.

In an open letter, Sardar Panchi said he was sorry for hurting the sentiments of Punjabi writers. 

The poet further said that before turning towards the Urdu and Hindi literature, he was highly influenced by the “power, potential, communication, and sincerity of the Punjabi language”.

He said, “I will always be grateful to the Punjabi writers and institutions for giving me recognition.”

On Friday, a function was held at the Language Department, wherein Sardar Panchi allegedly termed Punjabi a language of brawl and abuses which created a storm during the event. 

Following this, the Punjabi Kendri Lekhak Sabha had sought an apology from him.

Interestingly, Hukam Chand Rajpal, a Hindi writer, who allegedly threatened Tejwant Mann, president, Punjabi Kendri Lekhak, and said, “You wait for two years, we will show what Hindi language is?” has also apologised for his remarks on Tuesday.

HC Rajpal said, “I can’t even think of insulting Punjabi language even in my dreams. I apologise for my comments which have hurt the sentiments of lovers of Punjabi language.”

HC Rajpal’s remarks had divided the academicians and poets over the supremacy of language.

On Tuesday evening, hundreds of students of Punjabi University held a protest against the remarks made by the Urdu poet and Hindi writer.

In fact, professors of Punjabi Department along with others also participated in the protest which took place outside the university library.

Meanwhile, Cabinet minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa, who was in Patiala, said, “The incidents over the language were unfortunate. Punjabi language is our mother tongue and therefore we should give preference to it. No one should force Hindi language.”