Detailed Schemes of Punjabi Academy, Delhi

A number of schemes are being implemented by the Punjabi Academy ever since its inception in 1981. During this period whereas a number of new schemes has been addes, some of the schemes earlier planned to be implemented had to be dropped due to none too good response or some other reasons. In order to bring about administrative convenience and some degree of flexibility in implementing the programmes of the Academy, its schemes have been divided in the following six major programmes areas : I. Promotion of Punjabi Lingual Culture. II. Promotion/Propagation of Punjabi Literary activities. III. Publication of Books and Journals. IV. Punjabi Language Development Programme. V. Research work and other programmes for promotion and development of Punjabi language. VI. Encouragement to Punjabi Writers/Artists/Journalists and other cultural promoters. The main activities/sub-schemes under these six schemes are given as under : I. PROMOTION OF PUNJABI LINGUAL CULTURE : Punjabi region in this country has its distinctive art & culture. Its old traditions tempered with historical events have enriched the social and cultural fabric of the people of Punjab. The main segments concerning the Punjabi Academy are folk songs, folk arts, folk theatre as also the teachings of saints, sears, Gurus and scholars of the region. Besides, Punjab has seen a great deal of moderisation in its culture during the last two centuries. The glow of freedom has further added lusture to the social and cultural life of the Punjabis. Keeping in view these aspects, the Punjabi Academy which came into existance in 1981 has formulated schemes to preserve, promote and enrich the cultural treasure of the Punjabis. 1. Punjabi Sufiana Kalam, Classical Music & Ghazal Darbar: One of the schemes is to promote Punjabi Sufiana Kalam and classical music. The idea is to invite renowned artists to perform music depicting the work of Sufis, Saints and other holy personalities. Some selected music artists have been recorded and their recordings preserved for posterity. To this has been added concerts of classical music and Punjabi ghazals, which do not provide only entertainment to the audience, but also represent a rich part of our heritage. 2. Punjabi Folk Songs : The most precious part of Punjabi cultural heritage is the folk songs which have a hoary tradition. They encompass the whole gamut of life of the people. Right from a child’s birth to an old man’s death, the whole life’s events are covered in folk songs. Some renowned scholars undertook the task of collecting folk songs from all over the region to publish them in book form for preservation for the society. The Academy’s efforts are directed towards acquiring all such compilations for preservation and record. A large number of recordings of Punjabi folk songs have been made by the Academy’s own efforts and also with the help of all India Radio. Folk song parties from all over the region are invited to give public performances for audience in Delhi to familiarise people with our rich cultural heritage. 3. Preparation of Audio/Video cassettes for preservation of Punjabi lingual culture : Another scheme has been formulated to prepare audio/video cassetes for preservation of Punjabi lingual culture. Under the scheme, some audio/video cassetes have been produced and it is expected to go further at a faster speed to procure and prepare more such recordings. The objective is to collect/produce and preserve as many such programmes as possible. 4. Production of Punjabi Documentary Films : A scheme has been formulated to produce documentary films in Punjabi. These are to be based on the works of famous Punjabi writers and also places of historical and cultural importance for the Punjabi people. 5. Regular Exhibition of Punjabi Films : In step with other national languages, some producers have ventured to produce Punjabi films for commercial exhibition. Since such films are not many and there are not enough cinema houses who would like to run such films regularly, the Academy has formulated a scheme to arrange regular exhibition of Punjabi films, especially in resettlement colonies for the benefit of the poor and working classes. The Academy has acquired two mobile vans on all working days of the week. 6. Punjabi Film Festivals : To promote higher tastes in Punjabi films, the Academy has formulated a scheme to organise Punjabi film festivals in the auditoria in various parts of the capital. Though people of all classes are welcomed to attend the festivals, generally people with sophisticated tastes attend the films, who otherwise cannot get an opportunity to see Punjabi films in the cinema hall. 7. Collaborative programmes with Govt. of Punjab and other organisations : Since this Academy operates in the Union Territory of Delhi, it has formulated a scheme to collaborative with the Govt. of Punjab and other organisations to promote Punjabi culture in the capital. The idea is to draw upon the resources of the Cultural Department of the Punjab Govt., who have much more resources of depict Punjabi culture. For example, they have collected Punjabi manuscripts, paintings, instruments, coins, pottery, jewellery and dresses as tokens of Punjabi culture. The Academy would like to collaborate with the Punjabi Govt. and other organisations to arrange exhibitions and seminars in the capital for the benefit of the Punjabis residing here. 8. Inter-University and Inter-College Cultural Festivals : Though the University of Delhi has a Punjabi Department, where fairly good work is being done for the teaching of Punjabi upto M.A. and Doctoral levels, most of the Universities with Punjabi as their main or important language are situated in Punjab. Apart from these the Kurukshetra University and the Jammu University are equipped with Punjabi Departments. In order to encourage the cultural traditions among the younger generation, the Academy has formulated a scheme to organise Inter-College and Inter-University Punjabi Cultural Festivals in the capital. The idea is to involve as many colleges in Delhi as possible to encourage students to learn Bhangra, Gidha and Punjabi Folk songs and to compete with one another under the aegis of the Academy to attain excellence in these fields. Similarly, an Inter-University Cultural Festival is organised with the same objectives. Cash prizes and trophies are awarded to the winning teams at Inter-College level, Running Trophies are awarded to the winning teams at the Inter-University level. Some cash prize and individual mementos are also given to encourage younger people to strongly adopt these cultural forms. 9. Joint programmes by the Academies of Delhi Administration : A scheme has been formulated to organise programmes jointly with the Urdu and Hindi Academies as also with the Sahitya Kala Parishad to depict the Composite Indian Culture to the people in the metropolis. It is not possible to promote culture in isolation. Punjabi culture is an integral part of the Composite Indian Culture. Since all these Academies are financed by the Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi and have a common administrative and financial control, it is natural that all the Academies should combine their efforts to organise programmes for common benefit of the entire populace. Under the scheme, political symposia, music concerts and seminars etc. can be organised jointly in open areas or in Auditoria for promoting national unity and integrity. 10. Punjabi Lingual Cultural Programmes in schools and colleges : Schools and colleges are very important fora for propagation of cultural heritage, because the younger generation must be involved in taking national pride. A scheme has been formulated to provide assistance and encouragement to schools & colleges if they ask for the Academy’s help in providing artists, musicians or other resources. Under the scheme, coaches are also provided to teach the students Bhangra, Gidha, Folk and light music as also the theatre techniques. Occasionally, the Academy would like to organise cultural programmes in selected schools and colleges for the benefit of the students, teachers, parents and the audience in the neighbourhood. 11. Sponsored programmes in open areas : Apart from schools and colleges, assistance is provided to Associates of citizens and organisers of cultural organisations to provide them an opportunity of listening to quality Punjabi folk and light music and to witness Punjabi folk dances, such assistance may also be provided at special events of cultural and national interest. 12. Punjabi Theatre Festivals : Punjabi Theatre has made rapid progress during the last few decades. A large number of theatre groups have come into existance in Punjab and elsewhere, who put up performances of high standard of Punjabi plays. Theatre has come a long way from the traditional drama like Heera Ranjha and Sassi Punnu to the present decade, as the Punjabi drama covers a very vast field of human activity. The Academy has formulated a scheme to organise shows of Punjabi Theatre regularly in the capital and also to organise an Annual Punjabi Theatre Festival. Apart from the original plays of Punjabi writers, adaptations from other Indian Languages and foreign languages are included in the Academy’s repertoire. To encourage writers, Directors and Artists in the field of theatre, apart from lump-sum fees to the Directors, cash prizes for the best script, best direction and excellence in acting are given in the Theatre Festivals. II. PROMOTION/PROPAGATION OF PUNJABI LITERARY ACTIVITIES : One of the major activities of Punjabi Academy, centres on promotion of Punjabi literature. It includes various forms like poetry, prose, short story, drama and folk literature. 1. Kavi Darbar on National Days : The Academy has formulated a scheme to organise Kavi Darbars on the occasions of Independence Day and Republic Day. These poetical symposia are of national importance. As such, the Kavi Darbar on the eve of Republic Day is generallly held in the Red Fort and poets from outside the Union Territory of Delhi are also included in this symposium. Similarly, the Independence Day Kavi Darbar is arranged with the participation of poets from Delhi and outside. These two Kavi Darbars are generally covered by Doordarshan and Akashvani for wider propagation of poetry on national themes. 2. Organisation of Seminar and Symposia : The Academy has formulated a scheme to organise seminars and symposia on various literary themes like the History and Development of Punjabi literature in its various forms and phases. These seminars/symposia are organised at various locations including auditoria and Universities. When these Seminars/symposia are arranged by colleges and the University at their own initiative and the Academy is approached to provide financial and other support to these institutions, their requests are acceded to after careful scruitiny of the subjects. Payments to scholars participating in these seminars/symposia are made direct to them and not to the concerned educational institutions. 3. Lecture-cum-Demonstration in schools and colleges by distinguished artists : The scheme regarding lectures-cum-demonstrations in schools and colleges by distinguished artists is meant for personal contacts between experienced and dedicated artists and students in schools and colleges, in the fields of folk songs and folk dances. This would also include passing on expertise in Punjabi Drama to the students by experts and well-known artists. 4. Inter-State Exchange of Writers : It has been considered by the Academy to organise Inter-State exchange of writers to enable them to share their ideas and experiences with writers of other states. Generally, it is expected to cover Delhi, Chandigarh, Punjab, Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. Writers and scholars are expected to inter-act with their counterparts in the states other than their own to widen the intellectual horizons. 5. Punjabi Kahani Darbar : The scheme regarding Punjabi Kahani Darbar is meant to encourage the generation of new techniques in Punjabi short story. Short story all over the world has attained great variety in scope and depth. The short story in various Indian languages has also witnessed new dimensions. Under the schemes, well known short story writers in Punjabi are to be invited to recite their works before invited audience to enable the lovers of literature to acquire themselves with the new techniques. The idea is to encourage debater on the Punjabi short story after such recitations. This would encourage others to read and enjoys short stories. 6. Punjabi Natak Te Natakkars : Punjabi Drama has taken long strides during the last six decades. Under the scheme “Punjabi Natak Te Natakkar”, it is envisaged to invite famous playwrites in Punjabi to speak to the invited audiences and then to stage their plays which could develop deep thinking on the themes and techniques of Punjabi theatre. 7. Punjabi Kavi Darbars : The scheme regarding Punjabi Kavi Darbar is envisaged to encourage poetry among the people, as it is considered to be the highest and most sophisticated form of literature. It is intended to invite young and emerging poets to recite their poems before invited audiences to enable them to over-come hesitation and to encourage them to explore wider fields in poetry. Poetry has seen a great deal of transformation from the traditional to the modern. Such Kavi Darbars with the participation of new poets are expected to strength the poetry movement in the society. 8. Poetry Recitation contests in Schools & Colleges : Another scheme to encourage poetry is to organise poetry recitation contests at the school and college level. Experiments are to be made in inspriing young boys and girls to take interest in this delicate form of literature. Contests in poetry recitation would encourage competitive spirit to attain literary excellence. 9. Declamation Contests : Apart from poetry, the Academy has formulated a scheme to organise declamation contests at the school and college level. It is proposed under the scheme to inspire young boys and girls to study in depth certain subjects of social and national importance and to speak on them before the audience of their own generation to help them in cultivating their intellectual capacity and oratorial skills. III. PUBLICATION OF BOOKS/JOURNALS : 1. Translation of books in Punjabi for children : One of the objectives of the establishment of Punjabi Academy as in the Memorandom of Association is that the Punjabi Academy would undertake translation of standard children books from Hindi, Urdu and other regional foreign languages. 2. Publication of Punjabi Books : The Academy has formulated a scheme to publish Punjabi books. The Academy organises seminars and symposia on important literary, social and national themes with the participation of scholars and intellectuals of wide experience and great renown. The papers presented at such papers after proper editing in book form, which in some cases become and epitome of information in knowledge on a particular subject. Apart from these, books of short stories and antholigies of poems are published. Under the scheme subjects of wider important like our history, epics, science, travelouges and literary criticism can be recovered. 3. Publication of bi-monthly Magazine : A scheme has been formulated to publish a bi-monthly magazine entitled SAMDARSHI. Under this scheme, literature of high quality is published for intellectual enrichment of Punjabi readers. It is prestigious magazine catering to the needs of literature and the intelligensia. 4. Publication of Text-Books in Punjabi : At present, text books in Punjabi language for the schools run or aided by the Delhi Administration are those prescribed by the Language Deptt. of Punjab Govt. As the lingual culture and social economic character of Delhi is different from that of Punjab, the need for having text books of Punjabi according to Delhi syllabus assumes special significance. Further, with the increasing popularity of Punjabi language, Punjabi medium schools are being opened by the MCD, Punjabi Academy also provide Punjabi medium books free of cost to the students of these schools. 5. Publication of translation of literary work : The scheme envisages publication of anthologies of Punjabi short stories and poems of well known authors and poets in their translations in order that the creative intelligence of Punjabi writers should be propagated through the medium of English, Hindi and other modern Indina languages. It is also envisaged to publish Punjabi translations of renowned titles in English and modern Indian languages for the benefit of Punjabi masses. IV. PUNJABI LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES : 1. Establishment of Punjabi Language Teaching Centres through financial assistance to voluntary organisations for teaching of Punjabi language : Punjabi Academy has been extending financial assistance to the voluntary registered bodies for running Punjabi language teaching centres for the benefit of the persons willing to learn this language. Under this scheme, the organisation have to provide basic infrastructure i.e. proper accommodation conducive for running such centres. Other facilities such as provision of part-time Punjabi language teachers, free text-books upto the primary level and teaching aids etc. are provided by the Academy. 2. Free Coaching classes in Punjabi : The Language Department of the Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi has a scheme of free coaching classes in Hindi for the employees of Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi. Earlier Urdu Academy in collaboration with the Language Deptt. have started a scheme of free coaching in Urdu for the benefit of the employees of the Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi. Previously, this scheme was being implemented by the Language Department, .PA Govt. of N.C.T. of Delhi. Punjabi Academy in collaboration with the Language Department propose to run classes in Punjabi. The duration of the course will be two months. After the completion of the course, the trainees who stand first, second and third will be given cash award at the rate of Rs.500/-, Rs.400/- and Rs.300/- respectively.The other trainees who successfully complete the course, will be given certificate. 3. Providing Punjabi Teaching Facilities to Aided and recognise including Public Schools at Primary, Middle, Secondary and Senior Secondary levels : Punjabi Language Teachers Association, and other Punjabi Orgainsations have been representating to the Academy about the inadequate Punjabi Teaching facilities in the schools run and aided by the Dte. of Education and cartain norms have been fixed by the Deptt. for providing Punjabi language teachers. The pace of teaching of Punjabi in the schools run or aided by the Education Department is some what slow as compared to the Punjabi speaking population which is the second largest after Hindi. The Education Department probably certain administrative/financial constraints. In order to supplement the efforts of the Education Department, the Punjabi Academy proposes to provide Part-time Punjabi teachers to Aided/Recognised schools including public schools who may wish to provide teaching facilities in Punjabi in their schools. The quantum of remuneration to be paid to the teachers at Primary, Middle and Secondary/Sr. Secondary levels will be different. Besides fixed remuneration to the part-time teachers, Punjabi Academy also provides Punjabi Language (all subjects in case of Punjabi schools) text books in those primary schools where it has given its own part-time Punjabi Language teachers. Teaching aid in the form of charts and good quality children books are also given free of cost to create the feeling of national integration and brotherhood among the school children. 4. Punjabi Language Teaching Centres during summer vacations in Delhi schools : Under the scheme, voluntary organisations offering to organise short-time Punjabi language teaching centres during summer vacations are given financial assistance as per details below : i) Fixed monthly remuneration to the part-time Punjabi language teachers at the rate applicable for primary classes teaching. ii) Fixed monthly remuneration to the waterman-cum- attendant. iii) Free primers and teaching aids. iv) Cost of teaching and learning material @ not exceeding Rs.7.50 per learner. Also the students securing Ist, 2nd and 3rd position in each of the above centres are also given cash awards of Rs.500/-, Rs.400/- and Rs.300/- respectively and certificate to each successful candidate who qualifies in the written test held after the expiry of the tenure of the centre. 5. Regular Evening Punjabi Language Teaching(Adult) Centre: Under its drive to promote and propagate Punjabi language and culture in the Union Territory of Delhi, Punjabi Academy organises regular evening Punjabi Language Teaching(Adult) Centres in those localities of Delhi from where there is a demand for learning Punjabi language by the residents during their liesure time in the evening. Besides, paying fixed monthly remuneration to the part-time teachers. Free text books and teaching aids are also given to the learners in each such centre. The standard of the course taught in these centres of one year duration is of the Middle level. The students securing Ist, 2nd and 3rd position in the examination held at the end of the tenure of the centres are given cash awards of Rs.500/-, Rs.400/- and Rs.300/-. 6. Training in Punjabi Typing and Short-hand : Since, there is dearth of Punjabi Typists and Stenographers in the Union Territory of Delhi. The Organisation requiring the services of such persons have to seek suitable persons from Punjab. In order to fill the gap between the requirement and the availability of such persons, Punjabi Academy has started Punjabi typing and shorthand classes in its office premises. These classes are held free and the candidates who complete these courses successfully are given certificates in support of their having completing the course. 7. Academic Awards for Young Talents : For the real flowering of talents in the sphere of literature, it is essential to encourage excellent performance and healthy competitions at all levels for discovering real talents. With this aim in view the Academy has introduced a scheme of giving Academic Awards to the students who secure 75% and more marks in Punjabi language in their Sec./Sr. Sec., Graduation and Post Graduation level. This award is also given to the students who secure Ist position in Punjabi teaching subject in the B.Ed. and M. Phil examination. V. RESEARCH WORK AND OTHER PROGRAMME FOR PROMOTION AND DEVELOPMENT OF PUNJABI LANGUAGE : 1. Scholarships for Research Work : The scheme regarding scholarships for research work in Punjabi literature envisages award of fellowships to students at the University level to conduct research in Punjabi literature like poetry, prose, fiction, drama and other forms. The purpose of the scheme is to provide financial assistance to scholars who are serious in conducting the research work and need support and assistance in persuance of their academic endeavours in the Delhi University. 2. Annual addition of Punjabi Library : A scheme has been formulated to set up a Reference Library of the Academy. In this library, books in Punjabi, books written by Punjabi authors and books on Punjab are to be collected to make an impressive library of reference. Special efforts are to be made to collect rare books, encyclopedia and ancient and modern documents including translation. The Reference Library will be open to scholars/researchers, who want to consult Punjabi books. 3. Release of Punjabi books : Under the scheme, the books published by the Academy are to be released at regular intervals to attract the attention of publishers, booksellers, scholars and the intelligensia. Such book release ceremonies could provide an opportunity for the authors, publishers and to enlightened persons to come together to get information and background to the publications. 4. Book Fairs : Under the scheme, books published by the Academy are to be exhibited in the Book Fairs organised by the institutions like the National Book Trust of India and well known publishing Associations. Assistance for exhibition of Punjabi books by established publishers would also be rendered to attract the attention of the people to Punjabi publications. VI. ENCOURAGEMENT OF PUNJABI WRITERS/ARTISTS/JOURNALISTS AND OTHER LINGUAL CULTURAL PROMOTERS : 1. Annual Awards to distinguished Writers : The scheme envisages conferment of Annual Awards to distinguished writers, authors, playwrights, critics, artists and promoters of literature. Awards are given to persons who have rendered outstanding works in Poetry, Prose, Fiction, Criticism, Drama, Music, Journalism and any other field that may be decided upon by the Academy are to be conferred. The awards carry a cash prize, memento, shawl or any other token as may be decided upon by the Academy. 2. Purchase of books direct from the authors for distribution to school and college libraries : The scheme envisages to purchase books direct from the authors as distinguished from the publishers as the former are often an object of exploitation. Under the scheme books of high standard, especially dealing with social, economic and national issue and also pure forms of literary value are to be purchased after fixing their prices as per formula decided by the Committee. 3. Subsidy for Authors : Under the scheme, financial assistance to book auditoria for legitimate literary and cultural activities will be provided to Associations and organisations of voluntary nature. It is to be ensured that such functions are unticketed. These Associations and organisations would give due acknowledgement to the Academy for providing assistance either in their invitation cards or the notices and banners displayed at the venue of such performances. 4. Subsidy to organisations involved in propagation of Punjabi Literature, Composite Lingual Culture and National Integration : Apart from auditorium subsidy, the Academy would provide financial assistance to literary and cultural organisations in the organisation of functions for the promotion of social and cultural objectives and those intended to promote national harmony and integration. Such subsidy can be in the form of providing artists, speakers, authors, musicians experts etc. and in printing of invitation cards, providing light and sound equipment, furniture rent and other facilities. 5. Celebration of Anniversaries : Under the schme birth and death anniversaries of luminaries in the fields of Punjabi literature and culture are to be observed in an appropriate manner. The firmament of Punjabi history and culture is studded with immortal personalities, whose anniversaries provide an opportunity to renew, revive and resuscitate the deep-rooted values of Punjabi ethos as a part of national dignity, pride and integrity. 6. Celebration of Special Functions in honour of Renowned Artists : Under the scheme, renowned artists and intellectuals in Punjabi are to be honoured at special functions to be organised by the Academy. While a distinguished Punjabi personality receives national recognition, this scheme would provide an opportunity to organise a function in his honour to introduce to intellectuals and public men. It would provide inspiration to others to serve the society and the country with earnestness and solicitude.