The University of Mumbai will start a full-fledged Department of Punjabi at its Kalina Campus. The announcement was made by Ravindra. Kulkarni, vice-chancellor of the University, in a communication to the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy.
New Elective on Sikh Gurus to Be Offered Across Disciplines
To start with, the university will start an Open Elective Course on teachings of the Sikh gurus as part of its programmes under the National Education Policy 2020. Kulkarni said that the course will be made available across disciplines, enabling a broader understanding of the Sikh ethos and its relevance to contemporary challenges.
Guru Gobind Singh Chair Involved in Curriculum Development
The syllabus for this course has been prepared by a team of scholars in active consultation with the Guru Gobind Singh Chair, which is operational at the university.
Not Just Linguistic, But Cultural Commitment: University
The proposed Punjabi department will serve as a centre for excellence in the promotion of the Gurmukhi script, the language, and deeper academic engagement with Sikh literature, history, and traditions. The university said that the project is not just a linguistic initiative but a cultural and civilisational responsibility.
Support From Sikh Coordination Committee and State Academy
The introduction of an elective course was suggested by the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy, Government of Maharashtra and Sikh Coordination Committee. Bal Malkit Singh, executive chairman of the Maharashtra State Punjabi Sahitya Academy, who had written to the state chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on July 9; Singh had sought the Introduction of a course on Sikh Martyrdom (1500-1765) in Maharashtra's educational curriculum, said that the proposal seeks to honour the supreme sacrifices of the Sikh gurus, especially Guru Tegh Bahadur during his 350th martyrdom anniversary later this year.
Damdami Taksal’s Sant Giani Harnam Singh Ji Khalsa Offers Blessings
"This initiative is not just about introducing a subject; it is about empowering the next generation with knowledge of sacrifice, moral strength, and commitment to righteousness. Maharashtra has always stood for inclusive values, and this course will reaffirm those ideals. I sincerely thank Fadnavis for his vision and encouragement in taking this forward,” said Singh.
Course Seen as Reaffirmation of Maharashtra’s Inclusive Ethos
Singh added that the academy is promoting gurmat, education based on the Sikh way of life, under the guidance and blessings of Sant Giani Harnam Singhji Khalsa, the head of the religious body, Damdami Taksal and pardhan of Sant Samaj. "This initiative gains even greater relevance in the backdrop of the 350th shahidi shatabdi of Hind Di Chadar Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, whose supreme sacrifice stands as a timeless testimony to the protection of human rights and religious freedom," Singh added.
