Guru Nanak Dev University to Host World Punjabi Conference on AI's Role in Language Development

Guru Nanak Dev University will host the World Punjabi Conference from February 20-22, focusing on artificial intelligence's role in developing Punjab, Punjabi language, and Punjabiyat. Vice Chancellor Professor Karamjeet Singh emphasized that Punjabi stands at a critical juncture where tradition must merge with modern technology.

The conference will address key questions about whether AI algorithms can capture the cultural sensibility of Punjabi's rich heritage. Professor Singh highlighted ethical concerns, particularly regarding bias in AI systems and the risk of Western epistemology overshadowing local idioms and values. Technologies like deep fakes and virtual reality further complicate the distinction between truth and falsehood.

The university has established the *Surjit Patar Centre for Ethical AI* with Punjab government support to address these challenges. The centre aims to develop Punjabi large language models and leverage AI for translation, potentially making works of Waris Shah and Pash accessible to global readers in over 100 languages. AI-based keyboards have already popularized Gurmukhi script among youth.

Prominent participants include Padma Bhushan awardees Tarlochan Singh and Sardara Singh Johal, along with other distinguished scholars and literature experts.