Recent data from 'Pratham' (ASER) highlighted a decline in Gurmukhi reading skills among the youth.
CM Mann’s Gurmukhi Initiative: Preserving Punjabi Roots Through School Books
Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government has initiated a transformative shift in the state’s educational framework. In a historic move to bridge the gap between the youth and their mother tongue, the Education Department has mandated that starting from the 2026-27 academic year, all English and Hindi language textbooks for Classes 1 through 12 will include a dedicated page for the Gurmukhi alphabet.
This initiative aims to embed Punjabi culture into the daily lives of approximately 60 lakh students in government, private, and aided schools. Prepared by the Punjab School Education Board (PSEB), these updated materials address the trend of students drifting from their native script due to the emphasis on English-medium curricula. By placing the Gurmukhi alphabet prominently alongside or beneath English and Hindi letters, the administration is reinforcing the primary status of 'Oora-Aira' within the state’s identity.
Recent data from 'Pratham' (ASER) highlighted a decline in Gurmukhi reading skills among the youth. In response to these findings, Chief Minister Mann has instructed the Education Department to integrate the native script into the daily academic experience rather than confining it to a single Punjabi period. Although Gurmukhi letters are traditionally found at the beginning and conclusion of Punjabi texts, their inclusion in various language books is designed to leave a lasting impression on the students' minds.
This initiative serves as a significant reassurance for families and elders concerned about younger generations drifting from their cultural identity. It demonstrates that the current administration is committed to providing a contemporary education while simultaneously fostering immense pride in local heritage. Ultimately, this policy is expected to enhance linguistic proficiency throughout the region, empowering every Punjabi student to become a dedicated guardian of their ancestral mother tongue.
