JUL 13, 2021
Dear Friend,
While the Punjabi language is continually being degraded in private schools in East Punjab, where it is an optional subject after grade eight in CBSC and ICSE schools with Hindi slowly replacing it and while the students in such schools are being punished for speaking in Punjabi -- our hopes rest on the government schools in Punjab where it is the language of choice and a language loved and respected. [ See news item on CBSC rejecting Punjab Government's ask to make Punjabi compulsory till grade 10 here ]
Yet, the government run elementary schools do not have beautiful and engaging books that the children can hold in their hands and be proud of their mother - language and its script.
There are certainly no books that are dual-language, that teach them both great Punjabi and good English - at once. Those that are beautifully illustrated, playful, attractive and give wings to children's imaginations, teach them good values while teaching them basic things about the Undivided Punjab -- it's two scripts and our common heritage.
So, we continue to doing our part to instill the pride for Punjabi and Punjab amongst these children so they can stand up for their Mother language and homeland when the time comes.
Our volunteer on ground Simranjit Singh continues to go to the government primary schools and does storytelling sessions for children from our Undivided Punjab edition and donating books to their schools, encouraging children to borrow them from their teacher thereby instilling a culture of reading at home.
If the kids are ambitious, they further explore the Shahmukhi script. They learn good English through translations. This books becomes a whole world for them.
And we have you to thank for doing your part so we can continue to do ours. This year we will be reprinting another batch of 3000 books and continue to distribute them.
Please don't forget to go to our Facebook Page to check out more pictures.
Chardi Kala,
Gurmeet Kaur
www.folktalesofpunjab.com
www.pippal.org
Updates from Fascinating Folktales - Engage Punjab’s efforts, posted on a regular basis.
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