The policy ensures that research generated in Punjab is accessible to students, teachers, and policymakers.

Historic Shift at GNDU: Punjabi Now a Compulsory Research Medium Alongside English

In a significant move aimed at democratising knowledge, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) has approved the Punjabi-First Education, Research and Governance Policy 2026. This policy makes Punjabi in the Gurmukhi script a mandatory medium for major research outputs, including PhD theses, dissertations, and funded project reports, alongside English.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh announced the initiative and described it as a "historic and people-centric step" that aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 

According to the report, the policy ensures that research generated in Punjab is accessible to students, teachers, and policymakers rather than remaining confined to elite academic circles. Prof. Singh emphasised that the focus is on empowering scholars from rural and first-generation learner backgrounds who articulate ideas more naturally in their mother tongue.

The implementation will be phased, starting with doctoral theses and funded research in the first year, followed by master's dissertations in the second. To facilitate this, GNDU will establish a dedicated Punjabi Academic Support Unit and department-specific glossaries. 

While the responsible use of AI-assisted translation is permitted, scholars remain accountable for accuracy. Prof. Singh noted that this initiative positions Punjabi as a dynamic medium for science, law, and innovation, ensuring that academic excellence and cultural leadership go hand in hand. The policy is set to take effect from the next academic session.

Source: The Tribune