Punjab Day ‘gift’ received from Centre, says NAPA

Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA) Satnam Singh Chahal has strongly condemned the decision of the Government of India to dissolve the Senate (and Syndicate) of Panjab University, a 59-year-old governing body.

In a statement released today, Chahal said NAPA views the move as a blatant assault on the rights and autonomy of Punjab and its diaspora.

"This decision, timed on eve of Punjab Day, is not only insensitive to the historic significance of the day but is also a direct attack on the democratic governance of one of India's most prestigious institutions," said Chahal. "The anger and resentment among the Punjabi diaspora globally is real and growing. Punjab's voice is being silenced," he added.

NAPA called on the Centre to immediately reverse the dissolution, reinstate the Senate and Syndicate, and engage in meaningful consultation with stakeholders-students, faculty, alumni and the Punjabi community worldwide. The association further urged the Government of Punjab and the university leadership to stand firm in defending institutional autonomy and the rights of Punjabis everywhere.

"Punjab has always contributed disproportionately to the nation-to its agriculture, defence and culture,"