Meanwhile, Patiala-based scholar Satdeep Gill, associated with Punjabi Wikipedia, started the Urdu Wikisource project in April. His aim is to make Urdu literature accessible online. Currently, ten books are being digitized for readers worldwide.

The Language Department’s first official Urdu book, Urdu Amoz, designed to teach Urdu via Punjabi, quickly sold out in 2023. However, classes have halted due to a lack of qualified Urdu teachers.

Through these digital platforms and community initiatives, both Farooqui and Gill hope to rekindle interest in Urdu’s poetic and cultural richness. The movement shows that Urdu revival in Punjab can thrive even beyond traditional classrooms.

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Mr. Pradhan spoke at IIT Madras during the Think India Dakshinapatha Summit 2025, alongside Professor V. Kamakoti, Director of the institute. He clarified that in Classes 1 and 2, children will study under a two-language formula. The first must be the mother tongue, like Tamil in Tamil Nadu. The second language is a matter of choice for schools and State governments.

From Classes 6 to 10, the three-language formula will apply. One language will always be the mother tongue, while students may select the other two. “No language will be imposed by the Government of India on any State,” he said.

To explain further, he cited Uttar Pradesh as an example. Hindi is the mother tongue there, but students can also opt for Tamil, Marathi, or other languages. “The U.P. government has the duty to provide such facilities,” he noted.

Mr. Pradhan highlighted that only 10% of Indians speak English, while the majority use their mother tongues. He urged people to see language as a tool for growth rather than division. Referring to Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, he said, “Naidu encourages Telugu-speaking students to learn many languages so they can compete globally.”

He also spoke about his travels across Tamil Nadu, describing it as a “linguistic State with a proud heritage”. Sharing his personal view, he said, “I am proud of my Odia roots, but I also respect and celebrate all Indian languages.”

The minister concluded by warning against attempts to create division on linguistic grounds. “Language unites people. Those who want to create barriers have failed. Society is moving forward with confidence,” he said.

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