Punjab Govt Launches Mother Tongue Program in Schools

The Punjab government has unveiled a new initiative aimed at promoting the mother tongue and regional languages in all government schools across the province. The program emphasizes the teaching of spoken Punjabi, Punjabi literature, and polite language, ensuring that students learn respectful expressions such as “Tusi” and “Assi,” while avoiding informal or inappropriate usage.

This initiative also highlights the province’s linguistic diversity. Schools in southern Punjab will receive special support for Saraiki, while northern Punjab schools will focus on Pothohari. Headteachers are responsible for organizing language activities and creating videos of students speaking Punjabi or their local mother tongue. These recordings will be shared within official CEO groups, with school heads submitting reports to track program implementation.

Punjabi, spoken by millions across the province, acts as a vital cultural and social connector. Formal instruction in the mother tongue allows students to develop pride in their roots, enhance literacy, and confidently express themselves in their native language. Officials stressed that learning regional languages in school preserves literature, folklore, and cultural identity while strengthening communication skills.

The initiative aims to foster appreciation for Punjab’s diverse languages and encourages students to use their mother tongue in everyday interactions. Experts note that teaching children in their native language improves learning outcomes, boosts self-esteem, and ensures that local traditions and culture are passed on to future generations.

The Punjab government’s program is being hailed as a major step toward reinforcing cultural roots, preserving regional literature, and instilling pride in the province’s rich linguistic heritage.