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Prabhjot’s Mission to Preserve Punjabi Language and Culture

Although she moved to the UK at the age of 23, Prabhjot Waraich has maintained a deep connection to her homeland of India and an unwavering passion for the Punjabi language.

Her dedication has inspired a remarkable and impactful movement…

In January 2023, Prabhjot launched Punjabi Maa Boli Divas (Mother Tongue Day) in the UK—an initiative inspired by Deepak Bali, who originally started this project in Punjab, India. While Deepak’s efforts were focused locally, Prabhjot expanded the concept internationally, bringing it to the UK, where it quickly gained traction and drew hundreds of attendees.

Picture: Prabhjot Waraich

The initiative aims to inspire younger generations to learn Punjabi and stay connected to their cultural roots. It also seeks to unite people from both Indian and Pakistan fostering a shared sense of cultural pride and solidarity.

The second Punjabi Maa Boli Divas event is scheduled for February 22 at the Red Leaf Global Buffet in West Bromwich. Prabhjot hopes to build on the success of the inaugural event and further amplify her vital message of cultural preservation and community connection.

“I left Punjab, but Punjab never leaves me. I love my language, and I’ve brought it with me,” she shares.

“Our event is all about bringing the community together to celebrate our mother tongue. Let’s speak Punjabi, read Punjabi, and learn Punjabi. That’s my message to the community. If we don’t celebrate our language and pass it on to the younger generation, it will slowly fade away. And that’s my real concern.”

Like many immigrants, Prabhjot faced significant challenges when she first arrived in the UK. Struggling with the English language and the search for stable work, she began her journey working in a factory while attending college to improve her English skills. Juggling the demands of a full-time job, household responsibilities, and raising three children, Prabhjot displayed extraordinary resilience and determination.

Over time, her love for Punjabi culture and her commitment to preserving it led her to become a Punjabi radio broadcaster. Through her work, Prabhjot connected with the Punjabi community, reminding them of their shared heritage and traditions.

Deepak Bali became a turning point in her mission to save the Punjabi language.

“When I first came to the UK, my mindset was much like others: you come to a western country, and you have to adapt to the western culture. But sometimes, you meet certain people, and it changes your life,” she reflects.

“Back in 2016/17, I attended a press conference for Mr. Deepak Bali. After speaking with him, I felt so inspired. I realised that my language was slowly dying, and I needed to do something about it—to save my mother tongue and pass it on to future generations.”

Amid her cultural advocacy, Prabhjot also faced a deeply personal challenge. In December 2023, she was diagnosed with cancer. The news was devastating, but true to her resilient spirit, Prabhjot confronted the illness head-on, undergoing successful treatment. Now a cancer survivor, she has emerged stronger than ever, even more committed to making a difference in her community.

“This year, our goal is to connect with the younger generation—they are the future,” Prabhjot reveals.

“Right now, I’m working as an interpreter because many elderly people in my community don’t speak English. They struggle to understand their doctors or communicate in daily situations. Our children need to learn Punjabi so they can bridge that gap—whether in a bank, a hospital, or any other setting.”

“At this year’s event, the children will be performing, no matter their age. They have so much talent, and I really admire the parents who are teaching them Punjabi at home,” she adds.

To find out more about this year’s Punjabi Maa Boli Divas event, contact Prabhjot Kaur Waraich on Facebook.

For tickets visit: https://allevents.in/west%20bromwich/maa-boli-divas/200027770837303

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