BY Dr. Amjad Parvez

The Nation Lahore Edition, Islamabad Edition, Karachi Edition

Punjabi Adab
Author: Shafqat Tanveer Mirza
Publishers: Pakistan Punjabi Adabi Board, Lahore
Price: Rs. 15/-

Pakistan Punjabi Adabi Board, Lahore is issuing a quarterly magazine titled, 'Punjabi Adab' of which an issue covering the January-March period was received by this scribe recently. The able literary personality Shafqat Tanveer Mirza holds is the President of this Board and the editorial board comprises Raja Risaloo, Parveen Malik and Zahid Hasan. This magazine is the literary and cultural paper of the Board. Since 1969, by the orders of the Education Ministry, this paper is declared fit for Lahore Region's schools and colleges.

Dr. Rasheed Anwar starts this issue with a lovely poem praising the Punjabi language. It starts as 'Punjabi Maan Rani Hatheen Phulan Bhari Changair/ Maan Rani Dey Qad Mein Jaapey Khushbooan Da Dhair'. The text of appeal with hundreds of signatures made to General Yahya Khan, Air Martial Nur Khan and Shams ul Haq, Education Minister of that time has been reproduced probably to request the present higher ups to give the status that this language deserves at the provincial level. Apart from providing broad guidelines of the education policy, it proposed certain steps to be taken with regard to Punjabi language:

(a) Adopt it as a medium of instruction at Primary level;
(b) make it an elective subject for the secondary class;
(c) open separate departments for it in Punjab University and other universities in this area;
(d) utilize Punjabi as medium of instruction for the adult literacy programme and
(e) open shelves of college and public libraries to books written in Punjabi.

These suggestions were based on an article by Rahat Nasim Malik printed in one of the leading English dailies on August 07, 1969 Mr. M. Masud talks about the issue of language in his article 'Zaban Da Masa'la'. This scribe agrees with the author that the relationship between language and man is like the relationship between body and soul. Even our Holy Book emphasizes the importance of expression or 'Bayaan' without which a message cannot be conveyed. Masud makes a mention of the Jewish language which was created many hundred years ago, but the Jews are so particular about it that whereever they meet in the world; they speak their own tongue. The others created problems and divided themselves on the issue of language. On the other hand, the languages stated to be colloquial and illiterate have become the languages determining the growth of mind and soul. Masud states that since our religion does not discriminate on the basis of colour and race, so the Muslims need not create a single language of its own. Therefore, we should not ignore the local languages like Punjabi which is so important for everyday work in the Province. Though Urdu being our national language is important, but the regional languages have their own peculiar status.

Muhammad Asif Khan writes an interesting discourse on the various dialects of Punjabi. Quoting the example of two dialects spoken in London, one in the East London and the other in the West, he maintains that the dialect of a language is meant for a particular set of people living in a certain area. Go outside that area and the dialect changes. The national language could be different, but should be known to all, in the federation. When the British made Hyderabad the capital of Sindh in1853, they got all the books printed in the Sindhi language. Similarly, the writer quotes the book by Hameed Chaudhry who mentioned of the language spoken in Sylhet to be different from Bengali. Asif then gives the details of various colloquial colours of Punjabi language and the cities or towns where these are spoken. It is a very interesting study.

Abdul Haq Alvi in his article titled 'Punjabi Teh Ohdi Bolian' says that it is the duty of the government to make arrangements for writing and speaking of Punjabi language. He also desires that more magazines are printed to project the work of Soofi poets like Bulleh Shah and Khwaja Farid. The other articles included in this issue of Punjabi Adab are 'Mudhli Taaleem' by Shafqat Tanvir Mirza, 'Ik Wari Madrasey Da Bua' by Abdul Haq Alvi. Separate sections have been reserved for 'Maadari Zaban', 'Bayan' and 'Kujh Hore'. The last section comprises an article by Ahmad Basheer in Urdu projects the idea of Punjabi as media of instruction based on scientific principles. It does not need a resolution to be passed in any 'Jalsa', he contends. A separate section comprises news items printed from time to time in English dailies on the issues of reopening of Punjabi department in the University with reference to statements given by Dr.Waheed Qureshi, the inculcation of religious spirit in Punjabi literature and an interesting article by Zeno comparing Urdu with Punjabi language. Those interested on this issue need to read this magazine to offer their views on this important aspect of our education and culture.