Introduction

The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT Haryana) has recently launched an Urdu-Punjabi Fortnight across government schools in select districts. This initiative aims to promote multilingual education, enhance cultural awareness, and foster holistic development among students. By learning and engaging in Urdu and Punjabi, students not only improve their language skills but also develop a deeper understanding of Haryana’s rich cultural heritage.

The program is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes multilingual learning, inclusive education, and interactive pedagogical methods.

Targeted Districts and Demographics

The Urdu-Punjabi Fortnight will be implemented in districts with significant linguistic populations:

• Urdu-speaking districts: Nuh, Palwal
• Punjabi-dominant districts: Sirsa, Panchkula, Fatehabad, Ambala, Jind, Kaithal, Yamunanagar, Karnal

SCERT Haryana has consulted with head teachers and district education officers to ensure the program is tailored to the local context, making it relevant and effective for students.

Program Objectives

The initiative aims to achieve the following objectives:

• Encourage students to learn and appreciate Urdu and Punjabi languages
• Promote cultural awareness and inclusivity in schools
• Develop critical thinking, communication, and creative skills through interactive activities
• Strengthen the alignment of school programs with NEP 2020 multilingual education guidelines

Activities and Implementation

The fortnight-long program includes a diverse set of activities designed to engage students in both linguistic and cultural learning:

• Essay Writing and Debates: Students express opinions on language, culture, and social topics.
• Poetry Recitations: Showcasing Urdu and Punjabi literary heritage.
• Quizzes and Competitions: Promoting interactive and enjoyable learning.
• Workshops and Exhibitions: Students participate in cultural displays and presentations to demonstrate creativity and understanding.

Implementation is carefully monitored by school authorities, with feedback collected to refine future iterations of the program. Activities are scheduled considering local demographics, linguistic needs, and resource availability.

Community Engagement and Feedback

Educators and parents have welcomed the initiative. According to Sunil Bajaj, Joint Director of SCERT Gurgaon, the program is instrumental in fostering a love for regional languages and ensuring inclusivity. Schools actively involve parents and local communities in cultural programs, further strengthening the connection between students’ learning environment and local traditions.

Alignment with NEP 2020

The Urdu-Punjabi Fortnight supports the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in several ways:

• Encourages multilingual learning and literacy development
• Promotes cultural awareness and preservation of local languages
• Supports student-centered, experiential learning methodologies
• Facilitates holistic development through a combination of academics, culture, and creativity

Impact on Students and Education

Early engagement in multilingual education improves cognitive development, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity. Students participating in the Urdu-Punjabi Fortnight gain:

• Enhanced linguistic proficiency in Urdu and Punjabi
• Stronger appreciation of regional literature and heritage
• Improved confidence in public speaking and presentation skills
• Exposure to collaborative and creative learning experiences

This initiative contributes to Haryana’s broader goal of inclusive and culturally aware education across the state.

FAQs

What is the Urdu-Punjabi Fortnight in Haryana schools?

It is an initiative by SCERT Haryana to promote multilingual education and cultural awareness, encouraging students to learn Urdu and Punjabi through interactive activities.

Which districts are targeted?

The program targets Urdu-speaking districts like Nuh and Palwal, and Punjabi-dominant districts including Sirsa, Panchkula, Fatehabad, Ambala, Jind, Kaithal, Yamunanagar, and Karnal.

What activities are included?

Activities include essay writing, debates, poetry recitations, quizzes, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural programs in Urdu and Punjabi.

How does the program align with NEP 2020?

The program aligns with NEP 2020 by promoting multilingual learning, inclusivity, holistic development, and student-centered educational practices.

Conclusion

The Urdu-Punjabi Fortnight is a significant step toward strengthening multilingual education and cultural awareness in Haryana schools. By focusing on language proficiency, creativity, and community engagement, the program aligns with NEP 2020 goals and prepares students for a linguistically diverse and culturally rich future.