Urdu poet, Hindi writer apologize for comments against Punjabi

PATIALA: Urdu poet Sardar Panchi and Hindi writer Hukam Chand Rajpal, both of whom had allegedly made objectionable comments against Punjabi language during Hindi Diwas at Bhasha Vibhag in Patiala last week, apologized on Tuesday for hurting sentiments of Punjabi language lovers.
Sardar Panchi and Hukam Chand Rajpal both wrote letters of apology for their comments.
“Before turning towards the Urdu and Hindi literature, I was highly influenced by power, potential, communication and sincerity of the Punjabi language during my journey from my birthplace of Tikhi Virkan (Pakistan) till here. I will always grateful to the Punjabi writers, organisations and Institutions for giving me recognition,” Panchi wrote in an open letter and apologised for hurting sentiments of people, especially Punjabi language-lovers and the Punjabi writers.
Last week on Friday, Panchi allegedly termed Punjabi as a language of brawl and abuses during the Hindi Diwas event and this led to massive row. The Akal Takht jathedar also took notice and condemned the insult to Punjabi.
In his apology letter, Rajpal said, “I can’t even think of insulting Punjabi even in my dreams. I apologize for my comments that have hurt the sentiments of lovers of Punjabi language. I am a writer and do not want to land in any controversy and kindly avoid dragging academics like me into politics.”
Hundreds of Punjabi University students held a protest on Tuesday evening outside the university library against the remarks by the two litterateurs. Some university professors too participated in the protest.
No language should be imposed on others: Tript Bajwa
Punjab cabinet minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa said criticism of Punjabi language and the controversy over it was unfortunate. He, however, added that the writers had now apologized for their objectionable comments.
On Union home minister Amit Shah’s statement of ‘one nation one language’, Tript Bajwa said he is totally against this. “Punjabi is our mother tongue and undoubtedly we would prefer it. If anyone wants to learn Hindi in our country, they are welcome but it should not be forcibly imposed on others. It is good to learn multiple languages — French, German, Tamil, Urdu, Hindi and others — but no language should be imposed forcibly,” he added.