Chandigarh: A controversy has erupted over newly installed signboards at Panjab University after AAP leader Malvinder Singh Kang alleged that Punjabi written in Gurmukhi script had been removed from the boards.
In a post shared on X, Kang claimed that the new signboards displayed only Hindi and English while excluding Punjabi, which he described as an attack on Punjab’s cultural identity and linguistic heritage.
Calling the move “deliberate” and “deeply concerning”, Kang said Panjab University represented the pride and identity of Punjab and accused the administration of attempting to erase the language of the state from the institution.
Panjab University Chandigarh,the very heartbeat and pride of Punjab,is facing yet another brazen assault on its soul.
New signboards installed by the administration have deliberately wiped out Punjabi (Gurmukhi), proudly displaying only Hindi on top and English, while erasing the… pic.twitter.com/OHyP8cRpQV— Malvinder Singh Kang (@kang_malvinder) May 14, 2026
Letter Sent to Vice President Seeking Intervention
Kang stated that he had written to C. P. Radhakrishnan, who also serves as Chancellor of Panjab University, demanding immediate intervention in the matter.
According to Kang, Punjabi must be restored prominently on all university signboards and public displays across the campus.
“We will not tolerate the systematic erasure of our mother tongue from our own institution,” he said in the post.
Language Issue Sparks Wider Cultural Debate
The issue has triggered fresh debate around the use and representation of regional languages in educational institutions across Punjab and Chandigarh.
Kang further asserted that Punjab’s people were closely watching the developments and warned against any attempt to “hijack” the identity and cultural character of Panjab University.
The university administration has not yet issued an official response regarding the allegations.