Panjab University holds dialogue on changing Punjabi reading culture
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 25, 2026: The School of Punjabi Studies, Panjab University, Chandigarh, in collaboration with Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) 2.0, organised a public outreach and engagement programme on “The Contemporary Punjabi Reader: Changing Reading Culture, Media and New Literary Possibilities” at Mohan Singh Diwana Hall.
The programme brought together teachers, students and research scholars from colleges and universities for discussions on the changing reading habits of Punjabi readers, the role of digital media and emerging possibilities for literature.
Prof. Paramjit Kaur Sidhu, Head of the School of Punjabi Studies, welcomed the guests during the inaugural session and said the contemporary Punjabi reader offered significant possibilities for literary engagement. She stressed the need for meaningful dialogue between literature and its readers.
Prof. Ganga Ram Chaudhary, Coordinator, RUSA, said contemporary readers were increasingly aware and discerning and emphasised the importance of creating a conducive literary environment for them.
Delivering the keynote address, Punjabi writer and thinker Dr. Manmohan Singh said that not only readers but also the ways in which people read were changing. He highlighted the continuing importance of readers and the role of books and literature in human life.
In his presidential address, Prof. Surinder Kumar Daveshwar described readers as a distinct subculture and said media and Artificial Intelligence could not replace book culture. The session was moderated by Prof. Uma Sethi.
The first academic session featured publisher Harish Jain, writers Jang Bahadur Goel and Jasbir Bhullar, Dr. Praveen and Jaspal Singh as panellists. The discussion covered Punjabi books, translation, challenges faced by writers and the need to develop new readers. Prof. Sarabjit Singh moderated the session.
The second academic session featured Dr. Bhupinder Singh, Prof. C. P. Kamboj, Dr. Balvinder, Jaspal Singh, Gagandeep Singh and Hardeep Singh. The speakers discussed the emerging reader, digital media and changing literary concerns. They observed that new media could complement literature by creating new avenues for its dissemination and helping it reach younger generations of readers. The session was moderated by Prof. Yograj Angrish.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Akwinder Kaur Tanvi.
The participation of students was a notable feature of the programme, with students contributing to the discussions as part of the contemporary Punjabi readership rather than remaining only members of the audience.