By: Ashwani Mahajan

The Punjabi community of the U.S. West recently came together in Schaumburg, Illinois, to celebrate International Mother Language Day (Maa Boli Diwas) at the India Hub. The event, organized by various Punjabi organizations, poets, and writers, highlighted the significance of preserving and promoting the Punjabi language among younger generations.
The celebration began with warm welcomes from event patron Dr. Harjinder Singh Khaira and convenor Raj Lali Batala. Both emphasized that while English may be the language of employment, Punjabi remains the language of love, respect, and identity.

The evening was rich with cultural performances, including lively bhangra showcases by the Ashke Club and young performers from Amandeep Singh’s Bhangra Group. Several poets and writers, including three children, shared their work dedicated to the Punjabi language. Among the highlights was a poem by young Gurleen Kaur, titled “Tenu America Bassdey Nu Ki Aakhan”, which received widespread appreciation from the audience. Amritpal Kaur also spoke passionately about the role Punjabi has played in shaping her life.
Notable poets and speakers such as Sahira Ridha, Raakind Kaur, Abid Rashid, Anzum, Navrup Kaur, Asim Kaur, and Badre Salam recited their poems, celebrating the beauty and resilience of Punjabi.
Special guest Bhai Harpreet Singh, former Jathedar of the Akal Takht who traveled from India for the occasion, emphasized that language is essential for true knowledge and understanding. He noted that while Punjabi originates from Punjab, it belongs to everyone willing to embrace it.

Renowned writers and intellectuals including Atamjit Singh, academy award-winning playwright Sardar Daljit Singh, and Gurbaksh Rai Randhawa also shared their reflections on the importance of preserving Punjabi culture through language.

Shri Somnath, Consul General of India in Chicago and chief guest at the event, congratulated the organizers and stressed the importance of maintaining fluency in one’s mother tongue. He expressed happiness at seeing children born in the United States speaking Punjabi and committed to supporting the event in the future.

Organizer Raj Lali Batala extended heartfelt thanks to all sponsors and supporters, including Gulzar Singh, Bhupinder Singh Dhaliwal, Lucky Sahota, Happy Heer, Parminder Singh, Amrik Singh, Dr. Vikram Gill, Sarvan Singh, Pal Singh, Kamlesh Kapoor, Devinder Singh, Jaskaran Dhaliwal, P.S. Maan, Darshan Singh Grewal, and especially Grand Sponsor Sardar Darshan Singh Dhaliwal and Brij Sharma for their generous contributions.

The event was a collaborative effort by many community organizations, including the Punjabi Cultural Society, Punjabi Sports Club Chicago, Swera, Punjabi Cultural Forum, Guru Sewa Society, Baba Makhan Shah Lubana Society, Punjabi American Youth Club, South Indian West, and United Punjabis of America.

The evening ended with expressions of gratitude to all participants and a renewed sense of pride in the Punjabi language and heritage.