“Punjabiyat is not just heritage—it’s our shared heartbeat. We must preserve it.” – S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, Patron, GPA
“Celebrate that which unites, understand that which differs.” These guiding words set the tone for a significant gathering hosted by the Global Punjabi Association (GPA) at the UT Guest House, Chandigarh, on June 20, 2025. The meeting brought together some of the most distinguished minds across sectors to deliberate on the shared identity, language, and heritage of Punjab.
The session was chaired by S. Iqbal Singh Ji Lalpura, Patron of GPA, and moderated by Col. Jaibans Singh, Vice President, GPA. In attendance were eminent personalities from diverse walks of life—including senior Army veterans, former IAS officers, lawyers, academicians, corporate professionals, entrepreneurs, and social workers. Their collective presence represented the depth and diversity of Punjabi society today.
At the heart of the discussions was the rejuvenation of Punjab, Punjabi, and Punjabiyat—a cultural spirit rooted in pluralism and nurtured over centuries. Delegates reflected on the erosion of these values and proposed strategic steps to revive the Punjabi language, reconnect youth with ancestral roots, and celebrate the shared cultural legacy of the region.
Key themes included:
Preserving the Punjabi language through grassroots education and community initiatives.
Encouraging interfaith and cross-community dialogue to restore social harmony.
Promoting cultural awareness among Punjabi youth, both in India and abroad.
The GPA’s mission stems from a profound historical understanding: until 1839, the communities of Punjab—Hindus, Sikhs, and others—were deeply unified in belief and practice. The shared cultural ecosystem was symbolised by the saying: “Punjab vasda Guruan de naal si.” It was a land where Sanatan Dharam and Sikh thought were interwoven, not divided.
Founded in 2022 under the patronage of S. Iqbal Singh Lalpura, the Global Punjabi Association emerged from the awareness that divisions in Punjabi society were not intrinsic, but externally induced by political and ideological forces. The GPA seeks to rebuild the concept of Punjabiyat—rooted in common values, shared language, and mutual respect.
With active chapters across Punjab, Delhi, Mumbai, Kashmir, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, the UK, Canada, Australia, and more, the association is steadily becoming a global voice for cultural harmony and unity among Punjabis worldwide.
As conversations concluded in Chandigarh, one thing became clear: the spirit of Punjabiyat is far from lost. It lives in the language we speak, the values we uphold, and the bonds we choose to strengthen. The Global Punjabi Association is determined to ensure that this spirit not only survives but thrives—for generations to come.
