DW BUREAU / PatialaThe Punjabi Month celebrations, organized by the Language Department Punjab to promote the Punjabi language, commenced today with an impressive event at Bhasha Bhawan, Patiala. Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Balbir Singh attended as the chief guest, while the Director of the Language Department, Punjab, S. Jaswant Singh Zafar, presided over the function.Chief guest Dr. Balbir Singh highlighted Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann's personal interest in promoting the Punjabi language, ensuring that the government continues to support these efforts. He expressed his belief that, despite advancements in digital technology, books will always remain a fundamental part of human life and culture. Encouraging parents to foster a love for reading in their children, Dr. Balbir Singh also pledged to address the department's staffing and technical issues promptly. Additionally, he announced the relocation of the NCC office from the Language Department building to a new site.The opening ceremony included the distribution of Best Punjabi Literary Book Awards for the years 2021 to 2024, honoring 30 distinguished writers. Special guests in attendance included Pawan Harchandpuri, President of the Central Punjabi Writers' Association, Dr. Atam Randhawa, President of the Punjab Sahitya Academy, Chandigarh, and Dr. Sarabjit Singh, President of the Punjabi Sahitya Academy, Ludhiana. Harpreet Kaur, Joint Director of the Language Department, welcomed the gathering of guests, writers, and language enthusiasts.Dr. Balbir Singh inaugurated a book exhibition and raised the flag marking the beginning of the month-long Punjabi Month events. A soulful performance by Sufi singers Anujot Kaur and Bikram Sangha captivated the audience, adding to the cultural ambiance of the event.(editor@dailyworld.in)