Punjabi University honours Punjabi Sahit Akademi

FEROZEPUR ROAD: For its contribution in the development of Punjabi language and literature around the globe, Punjabi Sahit Akademi (PSA), Ferozepur Road, was honoured by Punjabi University, Patiala, on the occasion of the latter's 50th anniversary on Monday.
PSA chief Gurbhajan Singh Gill said the university honoured them with a memento, a citation, a shawl and Rs 31,000."We were among the two literary institutions that were honoured,'' he added.
"The akademi had come into existence in 1954. As there was a need for a varsity to promote Punjabi language, the institution had passed a resolution for Punjabi University in its annual session and handed it over to the state government in 1960. On its basis, the government had constituted a 13-member commission to establish the university, which finally came into being in 1962. The first president of PSA, Bhai Jodh Singh, was its first vice-chancellor,'' he said. "It's the country's first university named after a language,'' he claimed.
Elated over the honour, he said, "The akademi will continue to work for the promotion of Punjabi language and literature. We have published around 100 books and initiated many projects for the development of the language. The PSA also gives fellowship to litterateurs and scholars.''
Former PSA chief, S S Johl, said, "Society too should take keen interest in promoting the language.''