Dr. Aneela Gill and her team under the auspices of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) NRPU-2025 research project “Turning Indigenous into Global: A Digital Vitality Initiative for Punjabi Language,” successfully organized a one-day seminar titled “Language Reclamation through Technology” on 19 May 2026 at Iqbal Hall, Ibn-e-Rushd Block, NUML Islamabad.
The seminar brought together distinguished scholars, researchers, language activists, and educators to explore the role of digital technologies in preserving, revitalizing, and promoting indigenous languages, with a particular focus on Punjabi. The event served as a platform for discussing contemporary challenges facing regional languages and examining innovative technological solutions for language documentation, digitization, and revitalization.
The proceedings commenced with an opening session featuring welcoming remarks from the university administration and project team, followed by insightful academic presentations by renowned scholars. Topics included the digitization of Punjabi, sociolinguistic challenges surrounding the marginalization of Shahmukhi Punjabi, the preservation of Punjabi folk traditions through digital media, and community-led approaches to language revitalization in the digital age. The seminar also featured a presentation showcasing the achievements and ongoing initiatives of the NRPU-funded project.
Through engaging discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions, participants examined the intersection of language, culture, and technology, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in safeguarding linguistic heritage. The seminar concluded with closing remarks, certificate distribution, and a renewed commitment to advancing digital initiatives aimed at strengthening the vitality and global presence of indigenous languages.
The event successfully fostered academic dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and public awareness regarding the critical role of technology in language reclamation and preservation, contributing meaningfully to ongoing efforts for the promotion of Pakistan’s linguistic and cultural diversity.
