AI Generated Summary
- The centre is envisioned as a research hub focused on responsible AI practices and the preservation of Punjabi identity in the digital age.
- Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) will bring together leading scholars, writers and policymakers later this week for a three-day World Punjabi Conference examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of Punjab, Punjabi language and Punjabiyat.
- To address such challenges, GNDU has established a Centre for Ethical AI in memory of renowned Punjabi poet Surjit Patar, with support from the Punjab government.
Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) will bring together leading scholars, writers and policymakers later this week for a three-day World Punjabi Conference examining how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of Punjab, Punjabi language and Punjabiyat. The event, scheduled from February 20 to 22, aims to spark conversations about technology’s growing influence on linguistic identity and cultural heritage.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Karamjeet Singh described the initiative as a crucial step at a time when traditional knowledge systems are rapidly intersecting with emerging technologies. He noted that Punjabi, with its centuries-old literary and philosophical traditions, is entering a phase where digital innovation can no longer be separated from cultural development. According to him, the conference seeks to position Punjabiyat within a global technological landscape while safeguarding its intellectual roots.
Explaining the broader context, Singh said artificial intelligence now goes beyond simple computation, enabling machines to learn, reason and generate creative content. Tools capable of composing poetry, translating texts and offering analytical insights are redefining the way language is produced and understood. This shift, he argued, raises deeper philosophical questions about whether algorithms can truly reflect the emotional depth and cultural nuance embedded in Punjabi literature.
Academics at the university are also expected to discuss ethical dilemmas surrounding AI, particularly issues of bias and representation. Since AI systems learn from existing human-generated data, concerns have emerged that unequal or culturally limited datasets may reinforce social prejudices. Scholars fear that dominant global perspectives could overshadow regional values and idioms if Punjabi linguistic resources are not developed thoughtfully.
To address such challenges, GNDU has established a Centre for Ethical AI in memory of renowned Punjabi poet Surjit Patar, with support from the Punjab government. The centre is envisioned as a research hub focused on responsible AI practices and the preservation of Punjabi identity in the digital age. Organisers believe that technological tools, if used carefully, could expand the global reach of Punjabi literature by enabling rapid translation into numerous languages and bringing classical and contemporary writers to wider audiences.
University officials say the growth of online Punjabi content—from social media posts to digital books—has helped overcome earlier limitations caused by a lack of data. Researchers are now working to structure this material into large datasets and develop Punjabi-focused language models. At the same time, AI-driven keyboards and digital tools are encouraging younger generations to use the Gurmukhi script more actively.
The conference will feature participation from several prominent personalities, including Padma Bhushan awardees Tarlochan Singh and Sardara Singh Johal, former chief secretary KBS Sidhu, Dr Deepak Manmohan Singh and Sant Baba Mahendra Singh UK Wale. Through lectures, panel discussions and cultural sessions, organisers hope the gathering will open new pathways for integrating innovation with heritage while ensuring that the Punjabi language evolves without losing its essence.
