A 65-member delegation from India has arrived in Pakistan to participate in the 34th World Punjabi Conference, which will take place in Lahore from January 19 to 21. This cultural event, highlighting the shared Punjabi legacy across borders, comes as a powerful reminder of the rich artistic and literary traditions that transcend national boundaries.
Leading the Indian contingent are Sehajpreet Singh Mangat, the coordinator of the Indian chapter of the World Punjabi Conference, and Dr. Deepak Manmohan Singh, its chairman. The invitation, extended by former Pakistan Prime Minister Fakhar Zaman—who now chairs the World Punjabi Conference—has opened the door for a diverse assembly of cultural icons, scholars, and dignitaries to converge on this international platform.
One of the key themes of the conference is Sufism, a subject that resonates deeply with the spiritual and poetic fabric of Punjabi culture. Eminent personalities such as renowned poet and chairman of the Punjabi Virasat Lok Akademi, Gurbhajan Singh Gill, have lent their support to the event. In addition, Navdeep Singh Gill, a recipient of the prestigious Bhai Veer Singh award by the Department of Languages, is also among the notable participants.
The gathering is not limited to discussions and performances alone. It will serve as a stage for the release of new literary works in both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi scripts, authored by literary stalwarts including Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Sehajpreet Singh Mangat, Trailochan Lochi, and Navdeep Singh Gill. This dual-script initiative is an artistic nod toward the inclusive and interconnected heritage shared by Punjabis in both India and Pakistan.
Members of the delegation, who come from various fields such as literature, art, journalism, as well as former civil and police services, express enthusiasm about the cultural bridge the conference represents. “Our presence here is not just a participation in a conference; it is a celebration of our shared cultural history and a testament to the enduring spirit of Punjabi art and literature,” commented Mangat.
Beyond the conference halls in Lahore, the delegation is slated to visit several other historical and culturally significant sites including Nankana Sahib, Kartarpur Sahib, Gujranwala, and Kasur. These visits are expected to provide deeper insight into the roots of Punjabi spirituality and heritage, reinforcing ties that have long linked communities on both sides of the border.
As the conference unfolds, participants anticipate engaging in a series of discussions, performances, and literary exhibitions that will highlight the syncretic traditions of Sufism and Punjabi culture—a celebration that, they hope, will pave the way for a greater cultural understanding and cooperation between India and Pakistan.
