He pedals across state to promote Punjabi

Avneet Kaur

Jalandhar, February 21

Accomplishing his mission to promote his mother tongue among youngsters on the occasion of International Mother Language Day, Mansa-based Tejinder Singh concluded his 10-day cycling expedition, covering 22 districts and 2,100 km, at Namdev Chowk here today.

Tejinder started his journey on February 10 from Mansa and pedalled across the state carrying a 6-ft-long wooden stand on which 35 letters of Punjabi alphabets were written. He stayed for almost three to four hours at Namdev Chowk today and interacted with passers-by, especially youngsters to make them understand the importance of the mother tongue.

Talking to this correspondent, a postgraduate and BEd in Punjabi language, Tejinder said he aims to teach everyone Punjabi as it’s the most beautiful language in the world. “I feel sad seeing that English is being given more importance in schools and Punjabi is neglected,” he said, adding that he was not against Hindi or English or any other language but all he wants was people in the state should know how to read, write and speak Punjabi and should never hesitate communicating in their mother tongue.

He said during his cycling expedition, he covered almost all government or private schools on his way. “After taking permission from principals or head teachers, I used to conduct a special Punjabi class of one hour in the schools. I taught students easiest ways to learn the Punjabi alphabets and its importance in our lives,” he said.

In addition, at every bus stand and railway station, he stood for at least an hour, holding placards conveying the message of ‘Punjabi Bolo, Punjabi Padho and Punjabi Likho’.

He said he had also distributed about 3,000 pamphlets among people to motivate them to develop affection, love and respect towards their mother tongue.

Tejinder added that Punjabi should not be identified with any particular religion.

“There has been phenomenal contribution by followers of every religion such as Baba Farid and Ram Phillauri who have contributed immensely for the development of the language. Hence, people from every sect should work towards the promotion of the language,” he said.

When asked what motivates him for the noble work, Tejinder said: “It was in 2003 when he realised students have a lot of doubts about Punjabi language and they are writing it incorrectly. Hence, I first started pedalling in my own district to promote the language.”

“Now it’s been 17 years and on every occasion I decide to pedal and the love for my language and the state keeps motivating me. Also, someone among us has to take the plunge to promote our mother tongue. So, I feel that God has chosen me for this and I am happy to serve,” he said.

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