By Ravinder Singh Robin
Aiming to connect tradition with technology, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) will host the three-day World Punjabi Conference, titled “Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Field of Punjab, Punjabi and Punjabiyat,” from February 20 to 22, 2026.
GNDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Karamjeet Singh described the event as a pioneering endeavour, distinct from prior academic forums. It spotlights artificial intelligence’s expanding influence across education, society, governance, and culture. “Punjabi bhasha, sahit te virasat nu adhunik takneek naal jodna zaroori hai” (It is essential to integrate Punjabi language, literature, and heritage with modern technology), he stated, terming it a milestone in Punjabiyat’s digital evolution.
Pertinently, India is hosting the India-AI Impact Summit in New Delhi from February 19-23, 2026, the first Global South AI summit. World leaders from 20 nations, plus ministerial delegations from over 45 countries and 2 lakh registrants, will deliberate on global AI cooperation.
Sessions will examine AI platforms like OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini for preserving Punjabi pahchaan (identity), archiving literature, translating classical texts, and promoting the language globally. Dr. Singh noted that ethical AI deployment can disseminate Punjabi sanskriti (culture) to international audiences.
The programme includes scientific sessions, panel discussions, and keynote lectures on AI ethics in Punjabi contexts, addressing digital archiving, language processing, and cultural ramifications.
Distinguished participants comprise former Punjab Chief Secretary K.B.S. Sidhu, former MP Tarlochan Singh, Dr. Deepak Manmohan Singh, Sant Baba Mahendra Singh UK Wale (Head, Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha), Padma Bhushan recipient Sardara Singh Johal, social worker Surinderpal Singh Oberai, activist-businessman Charanjit Singh Bath, and scientist Kanwarpal Singh Suri.
Vernacular outlets hail it as a historic occasion, with committees formed and five eminent scholars slated for felicitation. Deliberations seek to position Punjab at the nexus of parampara (tradition) and uttam takneek (high technology), affirming Punjabi bhasha te sanskriti (language and culture) in an AI era.
Through this initiative, GNDU underscores that AI adoption fortifies, rather than erodes, cultural identity, enabling its global proliferation.
