Science Communication in Punjabi:
Contemporary Scenario and Future Prospects
Dr. Devinder Pal Singh
Abstract
A comprehensive and critical examination of the evolution of science communication in Punjabi is undertaken. The discussion is situated within broader debates on linguistic equity, public scientific literacy, and the democratization of knowledge in multilingual societies. Tracing developments from the post-independence period to the contemporary digital era, the study analyzes how science communication in Punjabi has progressed despite historical marginalization, limited institutional patronage, and structural dominance of English in scientific discourse. Using a mixed qualitative methodology that integrates historical analysis, bibliometric insights, institutional review, and thematic synthesis, the article maps key literary forms: prose, science fiction, poetry, drama, translations, and children’s literature, through which scientific ideas have been communicated to Punjabi-speaking audiences.
The findings reveal that while expository prose remains the dominant medium, there has been a gradual expansion into creative and narrative genres, including science fiction and environmental literature, reflecting efforts to embed scientific thinking more broadly. Institutional contributions from universities, government bodies, and NGOs have been instrumental in producing textbooks, magazines, terminology dictionaries, and translation projects. However, these efforts remain fragmented and often constrained by bureaucratic delays, inadequate funding, and a lack of professional training in science journalism. The study further highlights the growing importance of digital platforms, community radio, and AI-enabled language tools in revitalizing Punjabi science communication and extending its reach to younger and rural audiences.
Despite notable progress, significant challenges persist, including limited original research publications in Punjabi, weak economic incentives for writers, and persistent gaps in technical vocabulary and literacy. The article concludes that a sustainable future for Punjabi science communication requires an integrated ecosystem combining policy support, linguistic development, digital innovation, academic training, and community-driven creativity, positioning regional-language science communication as a cornerstone of inclusive scientific citizenship.
Introduction
Science communication encompasses the translation of scientific concepts into language comprehensible to the lay public; without this mediation, complex technological systems risk becoming alienating or misunderstood (Akhter et al., 2021). Carl Sagan, a pioneering science communicator, warned that a society heavily dependent on scientific technologies, yet poorly equipped to understand them, is at a grave disadvantage (Singh, 2003). Modern science communication also intersects with media studies, educational theory, and digital literacy, each of which has gained renewed scholarly attention in India’s regional-language ecosystems.
India is home to 121 languages with more than 10,000 speakers (Census of India, 2011), yet the overwhelming majority of formal scientific discourse occurs in English. This linguistic asymmetry creates a knowledge gap for non-English-speaking populations, including the approximately 33 million native Punjabi speakers in India and millions more in the global diaspora (Krishan, 2020; Simons, 2023). Punjabi, written in the Gurmukhi script, is the state language of Punjab and emerged as an independent language in the eleventh century. Punjabi literary expression, particularly poetry, can be traced back to the early thirteenth century with the composition of slokas and hymns by Baba Farid. The golden age of Punjabi literature spans the period from the birth of Guru Nanak in 1469 to the passing of Guru Gobind Singh in 1708. Much of the religious and mystical poetry of this era is preserved in the Adi Granth, an outstanding anthology of Bhakti poetry that is revered as the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Between 1600 and 1800 CE, Punjabi literature was further enriched by extensive translation activity, which brought the finest Sanskrit works into Punjabi. These included the two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, thereby broadening Punjabis’ philosophical and literary horizons (Singh, 2003).
During the periods of Mughal rule, Sikh sovereignty, and later the British Empire, Urdu or English served as the official language of the Punjab province. Consequently, Punjabi did not receive sustained official patronage. Even after India’s independence, the language struggled for formal recognition. It was only with the creation of the Punjabi Suba in 1966 that Punjabi was finally accorded the status of the state language. Over the past six decades, it has demonstrated vigorous growth across all branches of literature.
Modern life is profoundly shaped by science, and a significant aspect of our civilization rests upon scientific knowledge of the world. As Francis Bacon famously observed, “knowledge is power.” To empower ordinary people, it is essential that they understand how scientific tools and technologies function in everyday life. Such knowledge is most effective when communicated in the language of the masses. Consequently, science communication and the popularization of science have become urgent necessities of our time, a need to which the Punjabi language has begun to respond only in recent decades (Singh, 2003; Anderson, 2005; Kaur & Kalra, 2018).
Science communication in Indian languages has gained policy attention since the Draft National Education Policy 2019, and the subsequent National Education Policy 2020 explicitly advocated mother-tongue medium instruction and popularization of science in regional languages (Ministry of Education, 2020). Within this framework, Punjabi represents an interesting case: a language with robust literary and media traditions but historically weak scientific vocabulary and institutional support (CSTT, 2020).
This article examines three core questions: (1) What progress has been made in Punjabi science communication over the past six decades? (2) What linguistic, institutional, and socio-cultural challenges persist? (3) What are realistic prospects and strategic pathways forward?
Research Methodology
This study adopts a mixed qualitative research methodology to analyze the trajectory of science communication in Punjabi. The primary data sources encompass historical documentation, institutional contributions, and evaluations of current science communication outputs in Punjabi. This textual analysis provided baseline categories for thematic coding, institutional roles, publication patterns, literary forms, and media coverage.
To situate these narratives within broader scholarly and contemporary frameworks, secondary data sources were gathered through systematic internet searches using academic databases, news platforms, and bibliometric repositories. This included identification of initiatives such as collaborative science communication schemes (e.g., Vigyan Prasar’s SCoPE programme) and university-driven workshops on science communication ethics and practice (TNN, 2022). An additional bibliometric study of Punjabi book publications highlighted the distribution of subject areas across decades, corroborating the underrepresentation of science texts relative to literary and social science genres (Chander & Singh, 2020).
Data triangulation was employed by cross-referencing information from institutional reports, news coverage, and scholarly analysis. This approach ensured the validity of interpreting both quantitative outputs (e.g., magazine and book counts) and qualitative trends (e.g., genre experimentation, translations, and public engagement initiatives). Reflexive thematic analysis identified recurring patterns of structural challenges, publication delays, linguistic barriers (e.g., technical vocabulary), and emergent opportunities such as digital platforms or AI-enabled language resources.
This methodological framework allowed for a comprehensive synthesis that foregrounds both historical continuity and future directions in Punjabi science communication.
Results and Discussion
3.1 Science Communication in Punjabi: Current Status and Literary Forms
Popular science writing in Punjabi is predominantly prose-based. Approximately 90% of scientific content published in newspapers, popular science magazines, and books appears in expository prose, making it the most widely adopted and accessible mode of science communication among Punjabi science writers (Singh, 2003; Kaur & Kalra, 2018). This preference reflects the practical objective of conveying scientific information clearly and directly to a broad readership, particularly in rural and semi-urban contexts. Prominent authors in this genre are Dr. Vidwan Singh Soni, Dr. Hardev Singh Virk, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Dhir, Megh Raj Mittar, Dr. J. P. Garg, Dr. Harchand Singh Sarhindi, Dr. Devinder Pal Singh, Dr. C. P. Kamboj, Dr. Harshinder Kaur, Dr. Ajit Pal Singh, Dr. Jatinder Pal Singh, Dr. Charanjit Singh Nabha, Dr. Surinder Kumar Jindal, Surjit Talwarh, Hari Krishan Mayar and Sanjeevan Dadwal. The topics covered in these articles often include general science, astronomy, agriculture, health, the plant and animal worlds, and environmental issues. It is encouraging to note that Mandeep Kaur Khohar and Meena Sharma have been awarded Ph.D. degrees by Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, in recognition of their rigorous analytical research on science communication related to environmental issues.
Over the past decade, however, a small but noteworthy group of Punjabi science writers has experimented with narrative forms, including short stories and science fiction, to communicate scientific ideas in more imaginative and engaging ways (Singh, 2006; Singh, 2020). Significant contributions in this genre have been made by Dr. Amarjit Singh, Mr. Amandeep Singh, Dr. Suresh Rattan, Dr. D. P. Singh, and Jasvir Singh Didargarh. Dr. Amarjit Singh authored Chip De Andar (1997), Mr. Amandeep Singh wrote Tutdey Tareyan di Dastaan (1989) and Sitarian ton Aggey (2022), and Dr. Suresh Rattan published Baba Kithey Gaye? (1997). Dr. D. P. Singh has been particularly prolific, producing six works in this genre: Satrang (1991), Dhartiye Ruk Ja (1995), Robot, Manukh ate Kudrat (1997, 2022), Punjab De Dariya (2003), Chinku Khargosh tey Shehar di Sair (2025), Jassi tey Jalgahan di Dunia (2025). In his short story collection Pavan Guru Pani Pita (2019), Jasvir Singh Didargarh masterfully intertwines environmental themes with human narratives. These works represent early efforts to integrate scientific themes with literary creativity in Punjabi (Singh, 2025).
The findings reveal that while expository prose remains the dominant medium, there has been a gradual expansion into creative and narrative genres, including science fiction and environmental literature, reflecting efforts to embed scientific thinking more broadly. Institutional contributions from universities, government bodies, and NGOs have been instrumental in producing textbooks, magazines, terminology dictionaries, and translation projects. However, these efforts remain fragmented and often constrained by bureaucratic delays, inadequate funding, and a lack of professional training in science journalism. The study further highlights the growing importance of digital platforms, community radio, and AI-enabled language tools in revitalizing Punjabi science communication and extending its reach to younger and rural audiences.
Despite notable progress, significant challenges persist, including limited original research publications in Punjabi, weak economic incentives for writers, and persistent gaps in technical vocabulary and literacy. The article concludes that a sustainable future for Punjabi science communication requires an integrated ecosystem combining policy support, linguistic development, digital innovation, academic training, and community-driven creativity, positioning regional-language science communication as a cornerstone of inclusive scientific citizenship.
Introduction
Science communication encompasses the translation of scientific concepts into language comprehensible to the lay public; without this mediation, complex technological systems risk becoming alienating or misunderstood (Akhter et al., 2021). Carl Sagan, a pioneering science communicator, warned that a society heavily dependent on scientific technologies, yet poorly equipped to understand them, is at a grave disadvantage (Singh, 2003). Modern science communication also intersects with media studies, educational theory, and digital literacy, each of which has gained renewed scholarly attention in India’s regional-language ecosystems.
India is home to 121 languages with more than 10,000 speakers (Census of India, 2011), yet the overwhelming majority of formal scientific discourse occurs in English. This linguistic asymmetry creates a knowledge gap for non-English-speaking populations, including the approximately 33 million native Punjabi speakers in India and millions more in the global diaspora (Krishan, 2020; Simons, 2023). Punjabi, written in the Gurmukhi script, is the state language of Punjab and emerged as an independent language in the eleventh century. Punjabi literary expression, particularly poetry, can be traced back to the early thirteenth century with the composition of slokas and hymns by Baba Farid. The golden age of Punjabi literature spans the period from the birth of Guru Nanak in 1469 to the passing of Guru Gobind Singh in 1708. Much of the religious and mystical poetry of this era is preserved in the Adi Granth, an outstanding anthology of Bhakti poetry that is revered as the sacred scripture of the Sikhs. Between 1600 and 1800 CE, Punjabi literature was further enriched by extensive translation activity, which brought the finest Sanskrit works into Punjabi. These included the two great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads, thereby broadening Punjabis’ philosophical and literary horizons (Singh, 2003).
During the periods of Mughal rule, Sikh sovereignty, and later the British Empire, Urdu or English served as the official language of the Punjab province. Consequently, Punjabi did not receive sustained official patronage. Even after India’s independence, the language struggled for formal recognition. It was only with the creation of the Punjabi Suba in 1966 that Punjabi was finally accorded the status of the state language. Over the past six decades, it has demonstrated vigorous growth across all branches of literature.
Modern life is profoundly shaped by science, and a significant aspect of our civilization rests upon scientific knowledge of the world. As Francis Bacon famously observed, “knowledge is power.” To empower ordinary people, it is essential that they understand how scientific tools and technologies function in everyday life. Such knowledge is most effective when communicated in the language of the masses. Consequently, science communication and the popularization of science have become urgent necessities of our time, a need to which the Punjabi language has begun to respond only in recent decades (Singh, 2003; Anderson, 2005; Kaur & Kalra, 2018).
Science communication in Indian languages has gained policy attention since the Draft National Education Policy 2019, and the subsequent National Education Policy 2020 explicitly advocated mother-tongue medium instruction and popularization of science in regional languages (Ministry of Education, 2020). Within this framework, Punjabi represents an interesting case: a language with robust literary and media traditions but historically weak scientific vocabulary and institutional support (CSTT, 2020).
This article examines three core questions: (1) What progress has been made in Punjabi science communication over the past six decades? (2) What linguistic, institutional, and socio-cultural challenges persist? (3) What are realistic prospects and strategic pathways forward?
Research Methodology
This study adopts a mixed qualitative research methodology to analyze the trajectory of science communication in Punjabi. The primary data sources encompass historical documentation, institutional contributions, and evaluations of current science communication outputs in Punjabi. This textual analysis provided baseline categories for thematic coding, institutional roles, publication patterns, literary forms, and media coverage.
To situate these narratives within broader scholarly and contemporary frameworks, secondary data sources were gathered through systematic internet searches using academic databases, news platforms, and bibliometric repositories. This included identification of initiatives such as collaborative science communication schemes (e.g., Vigyan Prasar’s SCoPE programme) and university-driven workshops on science communication ethics and practice (TNN, 2022). An additional bibliometric study of Punjabi book publications highlighted the distribution of subject areas across decades, corroborating the underrepresentation of science texts relative to literary and social science genres (Chander & Singh, 2020).
Data triangulation was employed by cross-referencing information from institutional reports, news coverage, and scholarly analysis. This approach ensured the validity of interpreting both quantitative outputs (e.g., magazine and book counts) and qualitative trends (e.g., genre experimentation, translations, and public engagement initiatives). Reflexive thematic analysis identified recurring patterns of structural challenges, publication delays, linguistic barriers (e.g., technical vocabulary), and emergent opportunities such as digital platforms or AI-enabled language resources.
This methodological framework allowed for a comprehensive synthesis that foregrounds both historical continuity and future directions in Punjabi science communication.
Results and Discussion
3.1 Science Communication in Punjabi: Current Status and Literary Forms
Popular science writing in Punjabi is predominantly prose-based. Approximately 90% of scientific content published in newspapers, popular science magazines, and books appears in expository prose, making it the most widely adopted and accessible mode of science communication among Punjabi science writers (Singh, 2003; Kaur & Kalra, 2018). This preference reflects the practical objective of conveying scientific information clearly and directly to a broad readership, particularly in rural and semi-urban contexts. Prominent authors in this genre are Dr. Vidwan Singh Soni, Dr. Hardev Singh Virk, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Dhir, Megh Raj Mittar, Dr. J. P. Garg, Dr. Harchand Singh Sarhindi, Dr. Devinder Pal Singh, Dr. C. P. Kamboj, Dr. Harshinder Kaur, Dr. Ajit Pal Singh, Dr. Jatinder Pal Singh, Dr. Charanjit Singh Nabha, Dr. Surinder Kumar Jindal, Surjit Talwarh, Hari Krishan Mayar and Sanjeevan Dadwal. The topics covered in these articles often include general science, astronomy, agriculture, health, the plant and animal worlds, and environmental issues. It is encouraging to note that Mandeep Kaur Khohar and Meena Sharma have been awarded Ph.D. degrees by Lovely Professional University, Jalandhar, in recognition of their rigorous analytical research on science communication related to environmental issues.
Over the past decade, however, a small but noteworthy group of Punjabi science writers has experimented with narrative forms, including short stories and science fiction, to communicate scientific ideas in more imaginative and engaging ways (Singh, 2006; Singh, 2020). Significant contributions in this genre have been made by Dr. Amarjit Singh, Mr. Amandeep Singh, Dr. Suresh Rattan, Dr. D. P. Singh, and Jasvir Singh Didargarh. Dr. Amarjit Singh authored Chip De Andar (1997), Mr. Amandeep Singh wrote Tutdey Tareyan di Dastaan (1989) and Sitarian ton Aggey (2022), and Dr. Suresh Rattan published Baba Kithey Gaye? (1997). Dr. D. P. Singh has been particularly prolific, producing six works in this genre: Satrang (1991), Dhartiye Ruk Ja (1995), Robot, Manukh ate Kudrat (1997, 2022), Punjab De Dariya (2003), Chinku Khargosh tey Shehar di Sair (2025), Jassi tey Jalgahan di Dunia (2025). In his short story collection Pavan Guru Pani Pita (2019), Jasvir Singh Didargarh masterfully intertwines environmental themes with human narratives. These works represent early efforts to integrate scientific themes with literary creativity in Punjabi (Singh, 2025).
Contemporary Punjabi science communicators have also experimented with the novel genre. Gurnam Grewal, a UK-based Punjabi author, presents a haunting vision of global collapse in his book Dharatstan (2008), in which he imagines a world thrown into chaos after the sun's disappearance. Gurcharan Kaur Thind has made notable contributions through her science fiction novels Chanderyaan-Tishkin (2013) and Mission Red Star (2021). Her works explore cloning, lunar research, and Martian colonization, blending scientific imagination with ethical and human concerns to project plausible futures beyond Earth. Jasvir Rana’s acclaimed novel Etho Registan Disda Hai (2017) shifts focus to environmental degradation on Earth, interweaving ecological crisis with social issues such as drug addiction and cultural erosion. In his novel In Sindbad (2021), UK-based Punjabi writer Roopinder Dhillon explores the realm of space travel, weaving an epic tale that examines humanity’s aspirations and challenges beyond Earth. Collectively, these writers expand the scope of Punjabi literature by integrating science, environment, and futurism into socially reflective narratives (Singh, 2022).
Some of the Punjabi writers have also begun exploring poetry as a medium for expressing scientific ideas. This trend started in the 1980s, with Kuldip Singh writing the first book of science poems in Punjabi. Later on, Vikas Verma published Vikas Rishma (2018) and Vikas Trangaan (2023), and Hari Krishan Mayer published Asi jeev jantu (Part 1 & 2) in 2022. Recently, several such poems authored by Amandeep Singh and Dr. D. P. Singh have been published in Udaan and Sanjhi Virasat magazines (Singh, 2024).
Some playwrights have attempted to develop science-based plays for children. However, these efforts remain at an embryonic stage. To date, only a few full-length books of science poetry or drama have been published in Punjabi. Notably, volunteers of the Taraksheel Society Punjab have staged the play Te Dev Purash Haar Gaye across various parts of Punjab, highlighting the harmful consequences of superstition and pseudo-religious practices in contemporary society (Tarksheel, 2025). It is a matter of great satisfaction that authors’ interest in publishing books of children’s plays has also been increasing. In 2019, the Punjabi Children’s Literary Board, Lahore, published the first book of children’s plays on knowledge and science-related themes, written by Dr. Devinder Pal Singh, titled Satrangi Peengh Te Hor Natak. The book received widespread appreciation among young readers and educational institutions (Singh, 2025). It is noteworthy that Nimra Qayyum have been awarded a BS degree by the Government College Women's University, for writing a thesis on this work.
In 2021, Unistar Book Publishers, Mohali, published a book of children’s plays based on environmental themes written by Dr. D. P. Singh, titled Dharti-Maa Bimar Hai atey Hor Natak. In 2022, the Punjabi Children’s Literary Board, Lahore, published another collection of children’s plays, Asi haan Tuhade Mittar, under the editorship of Khaled Javed. This volume, comprising plays written by different authors on diverse themes and enriched with beautiful illustrations, is a commendable initiative. It is hoped that, in the future, more writers will create children’s plays on a variety of themes, further enriching this critical field of children’s literature. Despite such initiatives, only a handful of science-based plays have been published, and Punjabi literature currently lacks science-oriented street plays (nukkad natak), skits, novelettes, novels, radio or television serials, and film scripts. Substantial work in these literary and performative domains has yet to begin (Singh, 2022).
Some Punjabi writers have also published books on the life and works of scientists. Dr. D. P. Singh’s book C. V. Raman – Jeevan atey Prapatian (1994), Dr. Hardev Singh Virk’s Sade Vigiani and Mera Jivan Safar (2017) and Hari Krishan Mayer’s Mahan Khojkar, Bharat Dey Vigiani (Part 1 & 2) and Bharti Khojkar (2020) fall in this genre.
3.2 Translation Works
Translation has emerged as an important, though still underdeveloped, dimension of science communication in Punjabi. While several science writers have made commendable efforts to translate scientific textbooks from other languages, there remains an urgent and unmet need to expand translation initiatives into popular science literature (Virk, 2017; Tribune Staff, 2018; CSIR n.d.). Institutional support has played a constructive role in this regard, notably through the efforts of the National Book Trust (New Delhi), the Sahitya Akademi (New Delhi), and the Punjab State University Textbook Board (Chandigarh), all of which have facilitated significant translation projects.
Among the most noteworthy contributions are Dr. B. S. Batra’s Punjabi translation of Mr. Tompkins Explores the Atom, authored by George Gamow (1973); Gulwant Farigh’s translation of The Legend of Planet Surprise, authored by Tajima Shinji (1993); Jaswant Singh Aman’s Bachey Atey Uhnān̄ di Dekhbhal, translated from Dr. Subhash Arya (1995); and Paramjit Kaur’s Robot Atey Robot Vigian, translated from M. R. Chindbra (1996). Important medical and scientific translations include Dr. Harshinder Kaur’s Dil De Rog Atey Aam Admi translated from S. Padmavati (1999); Dr. H. S. Virk’s translation of Of Science and Scientists authored by A. N. Kothare et al. (2001); and Dr. D. P. Singh’s translations of Inventors Who Revolutionised Our Lives authored by K. V. Gopalakrishnan (2002) and Bhawikh Di Pairh (2003).
Some Punjabi writers have also published books on the life and works of scientists. Dr. D. P. Singh’s book C. V. Raman – Jeevan atey Prapatian (1994), Dr. Hardev Singh Virk’s Sade Vigiani and Mera Jivan Safar (2017) and Hari Krishan Mayer’s Mahan Khojkar, Bharat Dey Vigiani (Part 1 & 2) and Bharti Khojkar (2020) fall in this genre.
3.2 Translation Works
Translation has emerged as an important, though still underdeveloped, dimension of science communication in Punjabi. While several science writers have made commendable efforts to translate scientific textbooks from other languages, there remains an urgent and unmet need to expand translation initiatives into popular science literature (Virk, 2017; Tribune Staff, 2018; CSIR n.d.). Institutional support has played a constructive role in this regard, notably through the efforts of the National Book Trust (New Delhi), the Sahitya Akademi (New Delhi), and the Punjab State University Textbook Board (Chandigarh), all of which have facilitated significant translation projects.
Among the most noteworthy contributions are Dr. B. S. Batra’s Punjabi translation of Mr. Tompkins Explores the Atom, authored by George Gamow (1973); Gulwant Farigh’s translation of The Legend of Planet Surprise, authored by Tajima Shinji (1993); Jaswant Singh Aman’s Bachey Atey Uhnān̄ di Dekhbhal, translated from Dr. Subhash Arya (1995); and Paramjit Kaur’s Robot Atey Robot Vigian, translated from M. R. Chindbra (1996). Important medical and scientific translations include Dr. Harshinder Kaur’s Dil De Rog Atey Aam Admi translated from S. Padmavati (1999); Dr. H. S. Virk’s translation of Of Science and Scientists authored by A. N. Kothare et al. (2001); and Dr. D. P. Singh’s translations of Inventors Who Revolutionised Our Lives authored by K. V. Gopalakrishnan (2002) and Bhawikh Di Pairh (2003).
Further contributions include Dr. Jaswant Kaur Gill’s translations of Mirgi, authored by M. C. Maheshwari (2005) and Kujh Aam Bimariyan, authored by Anil Agarwal (2005); Dr. Kulwant Singh’s translation of Dma, authored by Dr. M. P. S. Menon; Balji Balli’s translation of Sade Jal Somay, authored by Rama; and Dr. Karanjit Singh’s translation of Bhalak Dian Hoiya Bitian, edited by Bal Phondke. Noteworthy later works include Dr. Dharam Pal Sahil’s translation of Padarthi Krishmay, authored by B. C. Sharma (2008); Dr. Kuldeep Singh Dhir’s Nano Technology (Agli Kranti), translated from Mohan Sundar Das (2011); Balbir Madhopuri’s Punjabi rendition of Manukh Di Kahani, authored by Biman Basu (2021); and Tuhade Avchetan Mann Di Shakti, translated from Dr. Joseph Murphy.
In the domain of textbook translation, Dr. D. P. Singh made significant contributions by translating three major works for the Punjab State University Textbook Board, Chandigarh: A Textbook of Physics (NCERT) for Class XI, Volumes I (1989); A Textbook of Physics (NCERT) for Class XII, Volumes II (1990); and Science, Volume 5, of the National Open School (1994). Similarly, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Dhir translated four textbooks, Aao Vigian Sikhiye (Parts I–IV), authored by Indumati Rao and C. N. R. Rao, for the National Book Trust, New Delhi (Welcome to NBT India, 2025).
Despite these valuable initiatives, it is evident that translating popular science literature and Science Textbooks into Punjabi remains at a nascent stage and requires sustained scholarly engagement and long-term institutional support to reach a broader readership.
3.3 Media Ecosystem and Print Journalism
The print media ecosystem in Punjab includes several Punjabi newspapers and magazines that allocate space for science, health, agriculture, and environment stories. Regular weekly columns on science topics help anchor scientific narratives within everyday contexts such as healthcare, agricultural technology, and environmental concerns. Nevertheless, most journalists lack specialist science editing training, which affects the depth, accuracy, and consistency of coverage. The original article calls for specialist science editors, a gap that reflects broader professional training needs in regional journalism (Singh, 2003; Kaur & Kalra, 2018; Malik & Dhiman, 2022; Mohan, 2024)
Magazines dedicated exclusively to science (Nirantar Soach, Vigyan Jot, Nirmal Dehi, Changi Kheti, and Kheti Sandesh) play a vital role in reaching niche audiences. However, aside from university and government-sponsored publications, most organs of science journalism in Punjabi do not pay competitive rates, limiting the viability of full-time regional science writers. This economic reality curtails the quality and continuity of science communication outputs (Singh 2003; Kaur & Kalra 2018).
Comparative research into regional science communication demonstrates similar patterns of underinvestment and structural vulnerability. Compelling science journalism increasingly leverages cross-platform strategies, multimedia, interactive features, and social media to expand its reach beyond print. Punjabi outlets have yet to fully embrace these dynamics, underscoring both a challenge and an opportunity (Baath & Takhar 2024).
3.4 Government Institutions’ Contributions
In the decades following Punjabi’s official recognition as a state language, academic and cultural institutions emerged as primary architects of science communication. Punjabi University, Patiala, made substantial contributions by publishing science textbooks, vocational manuals, technical dictionaries, and the magazine Vigyan De Nakash, aimed at both students and general readers (Singh 2003; Kaur & Kalra 2018). Similarly, Punjab Agricultural University disseminated agricultural science knowledge through magazines such as Changi Kheti and Kheti Sandesh, as well as pamphlets targeting peasant communities (Kheti Sandesh- PAU 2025). While such content improved access to specialized knowledge in rural contexts, its reach remained constrained by literacy rates and limited circulation avenues.
The role of government and quasi-government bodies has been pivotal. The Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) invested in a popular science magazine, Nirantar Soach, in Punjabi and organized workshops for science communicators, recognizing the bridging role of media and narrative skills in fostering public engagement with science. (Singh 2003; PSCST 2025) In partnership with Vigyan Prasar, a notable national body promoting science in Indian languages, including Punjabi, the PSCST launched the Science Communication, Popularisation and Extension (SCoPE) programme, which aims to systematically expand scientific outreach in regional languages (TNN 2022; PSCST 2022). Punjab State University Textbook Board, Chandigarh, played a pivotal role in the development and dissemination of science education by producing high-quality science textbooks for schools and colleges and by facilitating the translation of scientific works originally written in other languages into Punjabi.
The Language Department of Punjab and the National Book Trust, New Delhi, have, over the years, published numerous books covering a wide range of popular science topics (Singh 2019; Welcome to NBT, India 2025). In addition to publishing about two dozen dictionaries of technical terms in Punjabi, the Language Department, Punjab, has also published a good number of books on topics such as Plastics, Grah Mandal, Anokhe Panchi, Lahoo, Rabbarh, Manukhi Sarir, Hava, Telephone, Teleprinter, Parmanu Shakti, Vaju Mandal, and Kitanu, etc. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, has published only four books to date (GNDU n.d.). These are Vigian de Krishmay, Vigian de pasar, Vigian de pandhi and Naroa Dil. Punjabi University has published only eight textbooks in Chemistry, four in Psychology, 16 in Physics, seven in Geography, and nine in Botany to date (Punjabi Pustak Suchi 2025).
In addition to its publishing activities, the Language Department of Punjab annually honours distinguished Punjabi writers through State Awards conferred across various categories, including Children’s Literature, Gian Sahit, Shiromani Lekhak, and Shiromani Sahitkar. Several eminent science writers from Punjab have received these prestigious recognitions. Notably, Mr. T. S. Bhatia, Dr. V. S. Soni, Megh Raj Mittar, Dr. H. S. Virk, Mr. J. P. Garg, Dr. S. S. Dhillon, Dr. F. C. Shukla, Dr. K. S. Dhir, Dr. Ranjit Singh, Dr. Harchand Singh Sarhandi, and others have been honoured with the Shiromani Lekhak Award in previous years. The author of this article has also been recognized for contributions to science writing, having received the Children’s Literature Award twice (1991 and 1997) and the Gian Sahit Award once (2000).
These developments reflect an institutional acknowledgment of multilingual science communication as integral to social empowerment. However, such institutional efforts have been inconsistent due to bureaucratic delays, funding cycles, and limited incentives for original research or publication in regional languages, a pattern echoed across similar contexts in India (Singh 1994; Sivaramakrishnan 2008). These structural limitations often delay publication timelines, reducing the timeliness of scientific content and diminishing public trust and interest.
3.5 Role of Non-Government Organizations
Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private publishing houses in Punjab have played a significant role in disseminating scientific ideas to the general public by publishing popular science magazines and books in Punjabi. Notable among these are the Taraksheel Society Punjab (Barnala), Mehram Group of Publications (Nabha), the Centre for Promotion of Science (Amritsar), along with a number of independent publishers who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to science popularization (Singh 2003).
The Taraksheel Society Punjab has been particularly influential, publishing two bi-monthly Punjabi magazines for several decades: Taraksheel and Vigyan Jot. While Taraksheel primarily promotes rational thought and combats superstition and pseudoscience, Vigyan Jot has been dedicated to popularizing science and technology among lay readers. Another NGO publishes Nirmal Dehi, a bi-monthly magazine from Jalandhar that emphasizes holistic health, environmental awareness, and preventive healthcare practices.
The Mehram Group of Publications, based in Nabha, has been regularly publishing Modern Kheti, a fortnightly magazine devoted to contemporary agricultural practices and innovations. Similarly, the Phagwara Environment Association publishes Environmental Clippings, a quarterly magazine that fosters environmental consciousness. More recently, Sehat Sambhal, a bi-monthly magazine focusing on healthcare and wellness, has been launched by another non-governmental initiative.
Media platforms and diaspora-driven initiatives have also helped increase the visibility of Punjabi science fiction (SF) writing. Newspapers, magazines, and especially the quarterly journal “Udaan” have provided dedicated spaces for Punjabi SF, while the Punjabi diaspora has infused global perspectives into speculative narratives (Udaan 2024; PDL 2025). Despite challenges such as limited readership, inadequate publishing infrastructure, cultural stigma, and translation barriers, Punjabi science fiction shows a strong potential for the future. With increased institutional support, youth engagement, digital platforms, and cross-cultural collaboration, Punjabi science fiction writing is poised to grow into a dynamic genre that bridges cultural heritage and futuristic imagination.
In addition, several general-interest magazines, including Wariam (Jalandhar), Mehram (Nabha), Nikkian Karumbalan (published by Sur Sangam Educational Trust, Mahilpur), and Pukheroo (published by Punjabi Children’s Literary Board, Lahore), have published special thematic issues on science and environmental topics in recent years. Complementing periodical literature, publishers such as Singh Brothers (Amritsar), Lokgeet Prakashan (Chandigarh), Tarak Bharti Prakashan (Barnala), Sapat Rishi Prakashan (Ludiana) and Rachana Prakashan (Chandigarh) collectively published a good number of popular science books over the past several decades. The Centre for Promotion of Science, Amritsar, has also contributed to this field by publishing four popular science titles in recent years (Singh 2003).
3.6 Emerging Prospects: Digital Media and Education
Contemporary developments point to promising prospects for science communication in Punjabi (IST, n.d.; JLB 2022; Kaur et al. 2013; Priya & Choudhary 2025; Trehan 2021). Universities such as Central University of Punjab have organized lecture series and training on science communication, ethics, and strategies, emphasizing integration of science with journalism and societal outreach. (Editor 2025) These initiatives signal growing academic recognition that science communication is not solely an educational task but also a civic one.
Digital media platforms and community-driven archives can expand access to Punjabi scientific content. Initiatives to digitize Punjabi literature and produce audiovisual content, such as audio libraries and online portals, suggest new avenues for indigenous science narratives to reach audiences beyond traditional print media (TNN 2022). Furthermore, AI-assisted learning platforms for Punjabi language education may indirectly support science literacy by strengthening linguistic foundations across generations (Singh 2025; Butt et al. 2025; Singh 2024).
Collaborative programmes between national bodies such as Vigyan Prasar and state councils underscore the importance of multilingual science outreach strategies, not just for Punjabi but across India’s linguistic spectrum (TNN 2022; Patairiya 2016; Minhas & Salawu 2024).
The resurgence, which began in the mid-2010s, was further driven by non-institutional actors using digital platforms. The YouTube channels Punjabi Science (launched in 2016) and Vigyanak Vichar (2018) collectively garnered over 500,000 subscribers and millions of views by 2024, covering topics from quantum mechanics to COVID-19 vaccines (SocialBlade, 2024). Community radio stations such as Radio Vigyan (Punjabi University, Patiala) and Apna Radio (Khanna) have broadcast weekly science programs since 2018 (CRA 2023).
Government and semi-government efforts have also accelerated (DST 2022). The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT), Government of India, published the Punjabi Vigyanak Shabdawali (2020), containing approximately 15,000 standardized scientific terms (CSTT, 2020). The Vigyan Prasar network supported the translation of its monthly magazine, Dream 2047, into Punjabi from 2021 onward, while the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology launched the Vigyan Punjabi portal in 2022 (TRAI 2024; PSCST 2024). Punjab School Education Board reintroduced Punjabi-medium science textbooks up to Class 12 from 2021 onward (PSEB, 2021; Home-PSEB n.d.).
The Punjab Government’s “Vigyanak Mission Punjab” (2022–present) funds science popularization events in Punjabi and supports 14 FM community radio stations that broadcast weekly science programs (DST 2024; PSCST 2022). Khalsa College, Amritsar and Punjabi University, Patiala, have launched MOOCs in Punjabi on platforms such as SWAYAM-PRABHA (channel 31) since 2023.
In Pakistan, the Punjab Textbook Boards of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa publish science textbooks in Urdu rather than Punjabi, effectively excluding the language from formal education (Khan 2015; Akhter 2021; Pressreader Staff 2025; Minhas & Salawu 2025).
3.7 Challenges in Language and Literacy
Language itself presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Punjabi’s rich idiomatic and narrative traditions provide fertile ground for culturally resonant science communication. Yet technical vocabulary deficits and the translation of scientific jargon into Gurmukhi present persistent hurdles (HTS 2016). The Language Department of Punjab proactively published about two dozen technical dictionaries and supported translation initiatives to mitigate this gap. The Punjab State University Textbook Board also contributed to this field, but to a limited extent (Singh 2003).
Beyond vocabulary, literacy and digital divides affect engagement in science. While Punjabi is widely spoken, literacy in Gurmukhi script varies across urban-rural divides, particularly among older generations. Digital platforms, including online repositories and AI-assisted language tools, offer potential solutions (Jan-Khan 2014). Emerging research on AI for Punjabi and low-resource language models points to technological innovations that can support translation and content generation for regional languages. (Butt et al. 2025; Rahman 2019; Singh & Hussain 2024) Such tools could amplify science communication efforts by lowering production costs and enhancing accessibility.
Popular science magazines in Punjabi remain scarce. Pankharian and Primary Sikhia magazines, published by PSEB, Mohali and Bal Sandesh magazine occasionally carried science articles, yet their circulation remained limited. Unfortunately, no full-fledged Punjabi science monthly exists. The number of book-length popular science titles in Punjabi (2015–2025) is less than 200. Original monographs and science-based digital media production, or films, are rare (Singh, 2022).
3.8 Synthesized Analysis
The trajectory of science communication in Punjabi reveals a complex interplay between linguistic identity, institutional intent, and socio-economic realities. Historically, science outreach in Punjabi has been primarily driven by state-supported institutions and universities, reflecting a top-down dissemination model. This has ensured legitimacy, standardization of terminology, and alignment with educational goals. However, it has also resulted in bureaucratic inertia, delayed publications, and limited adaptability to rapidly changing scientific knowledge. Consequently, while foundational infrastructure exists, its utilization remains uneven and often outdated by the time content reaches the public.
At the grassroots level, non-governmental organizations, rationalist groups, and independent writers have injected vitality into Punjabi science communication by addressing locally relevant themes, such as agriculture, health, environment, and superstition, using accessible idioms and culturally familiar narratives. However, these efforts remain fragmented due to the absence of sustainable financial models and professional recognition. The lack of full-time science communicators in Punjabi underscores a structural gap between aspiration and livelihood, weakening long-term continuity and innovation.
Media analysis further highlights a disjunction between reach and depth. While newspapers and magazines achieve broad circulation, the absence of trained science editors and investigative science journalism limits analytical rigour. This constrains science communication to informational dissemination rather than critical engagement with science–society issues such as ethics, policy, and risk.
Synthesizing these dimensions, it becomes evident that progress in Punjabi science communication cannot rely solely on increased content production. What is required is a systemic ecosystem, one that integrates linguistic development, digital platforms, academic training, creative genres, and policy support. Bridging institutional authority with community-driven creativity and leveraging emerging technologies such as AI-assisted translation and multimedia storytelling can transform Punjabi science communication from a peripheral educational activity into a dynamic instrument of public empowerment and scientific citizenship.
Future Directions
Science communication in Punjabi has moved from near-total absence in the 1970s to a vibrant, largely bottom-up digital ecosystem by 2025. YouTube and social media have democratized access, particularly for first-generation learners and the rural population. However, the ecosystem remains skewed toward popularization rather than original knowledge production.
Sustained growth will require: (1) State-supported terminology commissions for both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi. (2) Incentives for original research publication in Punjabi. (3) Expansion of Punjabi-medium undergraduate STEM programs. Only then can Punjabis transition from consumers to producers of modern scientific knowledge.
5. Conclusions
Science communication in Punjabi is at an inflection point, a blend of historical groundwork, contemporary innovation, and untapped potential. Institutional efforts by universities, government agencies, and NGOs have laid essential foundations for Punjabi science literature, education, and outreach. These contributions demonstrate the capacity for regional languages not only to accommodate scientific knowledge but also to make it resonate within local cultures and everyday life. From textbooks and magazines to translation work and nascent science fiction, the terrain of Punjabi science communication reflects a growing appreciation for linguistic inclusivity in public knowledge systems.
Nevertheless, significant challenges remain. Persistent publication delays, lack of specialist science journalism training, insufficient economic incentives for writers, and limited translation infrastructures impede deeper penetration of scientific ideas into the public sphere. In the contemporary media environment, relying solely on print is inadequate; integrating digital formats, multimedia storytelling, and interactive platforms is necessary to engage diverse audiences across age groups and literacy levels.
Emerging prospects, such as interdisciplinary academic programmes, digitization of literary resources, AI-driven language tools, and collaborative state-national initiatives, offer promising pathways forward. These opportunities must be harnessed with strategic investments and policy support to sustain momentum. Crucially, efforts must focus on equipping communicators with skills to translate complex scientific concepts into culturally grounded, accessible narratives, and on cultivating a reading and learning culture that values science as integral to societal well-being.
In sum, the advancement of science communication in Punjabi underscores the imperative that scientific literacy not be confined to elite circles but woven into the fabric of regional linguistic communities, a prerequisite for an inclusive knowledge society.
In the domain of textbook translation, Dr. D. P. Singh made significant contributions by translating three major works for the Punjab State University Textbook Board, Chandigarh: A Textbook of Physics (NCERT) for Class XI, Volumes I (1989); A Textbook of Physics (NCERT) for Class XII, Volumes II (1990); and Science, Volume 5, of the National Open School (1994). Similarly, Dr. Kuldeep Singh Dhir translated four textbooks, Aao Vigian Sikhiye (Parts I–IV), authored by Indumati Rao and C. N. R. Rao, for the National Book Trust, New Delhi (Welcome to NBT India, 2025).
Despite these valuable initiatives, it is evident that translating popular science literature and Science Textbooks into Punjabi remains at a nascent stage and requires sustained scholarly engagement and long-term institutional support to reach a broader readership.
3.3 Media Ecosystem and Print Journalism
The print media ecosystem in Punjab includes several Punjabi newspapers and magazines that allocate space for science, health, agriculture, and environment stories. Regular weekly columns on science topics help anchor scientific narratives within everyday contexts such as healthcare, agricultural technology, and environmental concerns. Nevertheless, most journalists lack specialist science editing training, which affects the depth, accuracy, and consistency of coverage. The original article calls for specialist science editors, a gap that reflects broader professional training needs in regional journalism (Singh, 2003; Kaur & Kalra, 2018; Malik & Dhiman, 2022; Mohan, 2024)
Magazines dedicated exclusively to science (Nirantar Soach, Vigyan Jot, Nirmal Dehi, Changi Kheti, and Kheti Sandesh) play a vital role in reaching niche audiences. However, aside from university and government-sponsored publications, most organs of science journalism in Punjabi do not pay competitive rates, limiting the viability of full-time regional science writers. This economic reality curtails the quality and continuity of science communication outputs (Singh 2003; Kaur & Kalra 2018).
Comparative research into regional science communication demonstrates similar patterns of underinvestment and structural vulnerability. Compelling science journalism increasingly leverages cross-platform strategies, multimedia, interactive features, and social media to expand its reach beyond print. Punjabi outlets have yet to fully embrace these dynamics, underscoring both a challenge and an opportunity (Baath & Takhar 2024).
3.4 Government Institutions’ Contributions
In the decades following Punjabi’s official recognition as a state language, academic and cultural institutions emerged as primary architects of science communication. Punjabi University, Patiala, made substantial contributions by publishing science textbooks, vocational manuals, technical dictionaries, and the magazine Vigyan De Nakash, aimed at both students and general readers (Singh 2003; Kaur & Kalra 2018). Similarly, Punjab Agricultural University disseminated agricultural science knowledge through magazines such as Changi Kheti and Kheti Sandesh, as well as pamphlets targeting peasant communities (Kheti Sandesh- PAU 2025). While such content improved access to specialized knowledge in rural contexts, its reach remained constrained by literacy rates and limited circulation avenues.
The role of government and quasi-government bodies has been pivotal. The Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST) invested in a popular science magazine, Nirantar Soach, in Punjabi and organized workshops for science communicators, recognizing the bridging role of media and narrative skills in fostering public engagement with science. (Singh 2003; PSCST 2025) In partnership with Vigyan Prasar, a notable national body promoting science in Indian languages, including Punjabi, the PSCST launched the Science Communication, Popularisation and Extension (SCoPE) programme, which aims to systematically expand scientific outreach in regional languages (TNN 2022; PSCST 2022). Punjab State University Textbook Board, Chandigarh, played a pivotal role in the development and dissemination of science education by producing high-quality science textbooks for schools and colleges and by facilitating the translation of scientific works originally written in other languages into Punjabi.
The Language Department of Punjab and the National Book Trust, New Delhi, have, over the years, published numerous books covering a wide range of popular science topics (Singh 2019; Welcome to NBT, India 2025). In addition to publishing about two dozen dictionaries of technical terms in Punjabi, the Language Department, Punjab, has also published a good number of books on topics such as Plastics, Grah Mandal, Anokhe Panchi, Lahoo, Rabbarh, Manukhi Sarir, Hava, Telephone, Teleprinter, Parmanu Shakti, Vaju Mandal, and Kitanu, etc. Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, has published only four books to date (GNDU n.d.). These are Vigian de Krishmay, Vigian de pasar, Vigian de pandhi and Naroa Dil. Punjabi University has published only eight textbooks in Chemistry, four in Psychology, 16 in Physics, seven in Geography, and nine in Botany to date (Punjabi Pustak Suchi 2025).
In addition to its publishing activities, the Language Department of Punjab annually honours distinguished Punjabi writers through State Awards conferred across various categories, including Children’s Literature, Gian Sahit, Shiromani Lekhak, and Shiromani Sahitkar. Several eminent science writers from Punjab have received these prestigious recognitions. Notably, Mr. T. S. Bhatia, Dr. V. S. Soni, Megh Raj Mittar, Dr. H. S. Virk, Mr. J. P. Garg, Dr. S. S. Dhillon, Dr. F. C. Shukla, Dr. K. S. Dhir, Dr. Ranjit Singh, Dr. Harchand Singh Sarhandi, and others have been honoured with the Shiromani Lekhak Award in previous years. The author of this article has also been recognized for contributions to science writing, having received the Children’s Literature Award twice (1991 and 1997) and the Gian Sahit Award once (2000).
These developments reflect an institutional acknowledgment of multilingual science communication as integral to social empowerment. However, such institutional efforts have been inconsistent due to bureaucratic delays, funding cycles, and limited incentives for original research or publication in regional languages, a pattern echoed across similar contexts in India (Singh 1994; Sivaramakrishnan 2008). These structural limitations often delay publication timelines, reducing the timeliness of scientific content and diminishing public trust and interest.
3.5 Role of Non-Government Organizations
Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private publishing houses in Punjab have played a significant role in disseminating scientific ideas to the general public by publishing popular science magazines and books in Punjabi. Notable among these are the Taraksheel Society Punjab (Barnala), Mehram Group of Publications (Nabha), the Centre for Promotion of Science (Amritsar), along with a number of independent publishers who have demonstrated a consistent commitment to science popularization (Singh 2003).
The Taraksheel Society Punjab has been particularly influential, publishing two bi-monthly Punjabi magazines for several decades: Taraksheel and Vigyan Jot. While Taraksheel primarily promotes rational thought and combats superstition and pseudoscience, Vigyan Jot has been dedicated to popularizing science and technology among lay readers. Another NGO publishes Nirmal Dehi, a bi-monthly magazine from Jalandhar that emphasizes holistic health, environmental awareness, and preventive healthcare practices.
The Mehram Group of Publications, based in Nabha, has been regularly publishing Modern Kheti, a fortnightly magazine devoted to contemporary agricultural practices and innovations. Similarly, the Phagwara Environment Association publishes Environmental Clippings, a quarterly magazine that fosters environmental consciousness. More recently, Sehat Sambhal, a bi-monthly magazine focusing on healthcare and wellness, has been launched by another non-governmental initiative.
Media platforms and diaspora-driven initiatives have also helped increase the visibility of Punjabi science fiction (SF) writing. Newspapers, magazines, and especially the quarterly journal “Udaan” have provided dedicated spaces for Punjabi SF, while the Punjabi diaspora has infused global perspectives into speculative narratives (Udaan 2024; PDL 2025). Despite challenges such as limited readership, inadequate publishing infrastructure, cultural stigma, and translation barriers, Punjabi science fiction shows a strong potential for the future. With increased institutional support, youth engagement, digital platforms, and cross-cultural collaboration, Punjabi science fiction writing is poised to grow into a dynamic genre that bridges cultural heritage and futuristic imagination.
In addition, several general-interest magazines, including Wariam (Jalandhar), Mehram (Nabha), Nikkian Karumbalan (published by Sur Sangam Educational Trust, Mahilpur), and Pukheroo (published by Punjabi Children’s Literary Board, Lahore), have published special thematic issues on science and environmental topics in recent years. Complementing periodical literature, publishers such as Singh Brothers (Amritsar), Lokgeet Prakashan (Chandigarh), Tarak Bharti Prakashan (Barnala), Sapat Rishi Prakashan (Ludiana) and Rachana Prakashan (Chandigarh) collectively published a good number of popular science books over the past several decades. The Centre for Promotion of Science, Amritsar, has also contributed to this field by publishing four popular science titles in recent years (Singh 2003).
3.6 Emerging Prospects: Digital Media and Education
Contemporary developments point to promising prospects for science communication in Punjabi (IST, n.d.; JLB 2022; Kaur et al. 2013; Priya & Choudhary 2025; Trehan 2021). Universities such as Central University of Punjab have organized lecture series and training on science communication, ethics, and strategies, emphasizing integration of science with journalism and societal outreach. (Editor 2025) These initiatives signal growing academic recognition that science communication is not solely an educational task but also a civic one.
Digital media platforms and community-driven archives can expand access to Punjabi scientific content. Initiatives to digitize Punjabi literature and produce audiovisual content, such as audio libraries and online portals, suggest new avenues for indigenous science narratives to reach audiences beyond traditional print media (TNN 2022). Furthermore, AI-assisted learning platforms for Punjabi language education may indirectly support science literacy by strengthening linguistic foundations across generations (Singh 2025; Butt et al. 2025; Singh 2024).
Collaborative programmes between national bodies such as Vigyan Prasar and state councils underscore the importance of multilingual science outreach strategies, not just for Punjabi but across India’s linguistic spectrum (TNN 2022; Patairiya 2016; Minhas & Salawu 2024).
The resurgence, which began in the mid-2010s, was further driven by non-institutional actors using digital platforms. The YouTube channels Punjabi Science (launched in 2016) and Vigyanak Vichar (2018) collectively garnered over 500,000 subscribers and millions of views by 2024, covering topics from quantum mechanics to COVID-19 vaccines (SocialBlade, 2024). Community radio stations such as Radio Vigyan (Punjabi University, Patiala) and Apna Radio (Khanna) have broadcast weekly science programs since 2018 (CRA 2023).
Government and semi-government efforts have also accelerated (DST 2022). The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT), Government of India, published the Punjabi Vigyanak Shabdawali (2020), containing approximately 15,000 standardized scientific terms (CSTT, 2020). The Vigyan Prasar network supported the translation of its monthly magazine, Dream 2047, into Punjabi from 2021 onward, while the Punjab State Council for Science and Technology launched the Vigyan Punjabi portal in 2022 (TRAI 2024; PSCST 2024). Punjab School Education Board reintroduced Punjabi-medium science textbooks up to Class 12 from 2021 onward (PSEB, 2021; Home-PSEB n.d.).
The Punjab Government’s “Vigyanak Mission Punjab” (2022–present) funds science popularization events in Punjabi and supports 14 FM community radio stations that broadcast weekly science programs (DST 2024; PSCST 2022). Khalsa College, Amritsar and Punjabi University, Patiala, have launched MOOCs in Punjabi on platforms such as SWAYAM-PRABHA (channel 31) since 2023.
In Pakistan, the Punjab Textbook Boards of Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa publish science textbooks in Urdu rather than Punjabi, effectively excluding the language from formal education (Khan 2015; Akhter 2021; Pressreader Staff 2025; Minhas & Salawu 2025).
3.7 Challenges in Language and Literacy
Language itself presents both an opportunity and a challenge. Punjabi’s rich idiomatic and narrative traditions provide fertile ground for culturally resonant science communication. Yet technical vocabulary deficits and the translation of scientific jargon into Gurmukhi present persistent hurdles (HTS 2016). The Language Department of Punjab proactively published about two dozen technical dictionaries and supported translation initiatives to mitigate this gap. The Punjab State University Textbook Board also contributed to this field, but to a limited extent (Singh 2003).
Beyond vocabulary, literacy and digital divides affect engagement in science. While Punjabi is widely spoken, literacy in Gurmukhi script varies across urban-rural divides, particularly among older generations. Digital platforms, including online repositories and AI-assisted language tools, offer potential solutions (Jan-Khan 2014). Emerging research on AI for Punjabi and low-resource language models points to technological innovations that can support translation and content generation for regional languages. (Butt et al. 2025; Rahman 2019; Singh & Hussain 2024) Such tools could amplify science communication efforts by lowering production costs and enhancing accessibility.
Popular science magazines in Punjabi remain scarce. Pankharian and Primary Sikhia magazines, published by PSEB, Mohali and Bal Sandesh magazine occasionally carried science articles, yet their circulation remained limited. Unfortunately, no full-fledged Punjabi science monthly exists. The number of book-length popular science titles in Punjabi (2015–2025) is less than 200. Original monographs and science-based digital media production, or films, are rare (Singh, 2022).
3.8 Synthesized Analysis
The trajectory of science communication in Punjabi reveals a complex interplay between linguistic identity, institutional intent, and socio-economic realities. Historically, science outreach in Punjabi has been primarily driven by state-supported institutions and universities, reflecting a top-down dissemination model. This has ensured legitimacy, standardization of terminology, and alignment with educational goals. However, it has also resulted in bureaucratic inertia, delayed publications, and limited adaptability to rapidly changing scientific knowledge. Consequently, while foundational infrastructure exists, its utilization remains uneven and often outdated by the time content reaches the public.
At the grassroots level, non-governmental organizations, rationalist groups, and independent writers have injected vitality into Punjabi science communication by addressing locally relevant themes, such as agriculture, health, environment, and superstition, using accessible idioms and culturally familiar narratives. However, these efforts remain fragmented due to the absence of sustainable financial models and professional recognition. The lack of full-time science communicators in Punjabi underscores a structural gap between aspiration and livelihood, weakening long-term continuity and innovation.
Media analysis further highlights a disjunction between reach and depth. While newspapers and magazines achieve broad circulation, the absence of trained science editors and investigative science journalism limits analytical rigour. This constrains science communication to informational dissemination rather than critical engagement with science–society issues such as ethics, policy, and risk.
Synthesizing these dimensions, it becomes evident that progress in Punjabi science communication cannot rely solely on increased content production. What is required is a systemic ecosystem, one that integrates linguistic development, digital platforms, academic training, creative genres, and policy support. Bridging institutional authority with community-driven creativity and leveraging emerging technologies such as AI-assisted translation and multimedia storytelling can transform Punjabi science communication from a peripheral educational activity into a dynamic instrument of public empowerment and scientific citizenship.
Future Directions
Science communication in Punjabi has moved from near-total absence in the 1970s to a vibrant, largely bottom-up digital ecosystem by 2025. YouTube and social media have democratized access, particularly for first-generation learners and the rural population. However, the ecosystem remains skewed toward popularization rather than original knowledge production.
Sustained growth will require: (1) State-supported terminology commissions for both Gurmukhi and Shahmukhi. (2) Incentives for original research publication in Punjabi. (3) Expansion of Punjabi-medium undergraduate STEM programs. Only then can Punjabis transition from consumers to producers of modern scientific knowledge.
5. Conclusions
Science communication in Punjabi is at an inflection point, a blend of historical groundwork, contemporary innovation, and untapped potential. Institutional efforts by universities, government agencies, and NGOs have laid essential foundations for Punjabi science literature, education, and outreach. These contributions demonstrate the capacity for regional languages not only to accommodate scientific knowledge but also to make it resonate within local cultures and everyday life. From textbooks and magazines to translation work and nascent science fiction, the terrain of Punjabi science communication reflects a growing appreciation for linguistic inclusivity in public knowledge systems.
Nevertheless, significant challenges remain. Persistent publication delays, lack of specialist science journalism training, insufficient economic incentives for writers, and limited translation infrastructures impede deeper penetration of scientific ideas into the public sphere. In the contemporary media environment, relying solely on print is inadequate; integrating digital formats, multimedia storytelling, and interactive platforms is necessary to engage diverse audiences across age groups and literacy levels.
Emerging prospects, such as interdisciplinary academic programmes, digitization of literary resources, AI-driven language tools, and collaborative state-national initiatives, offer promising pathways forward. These opportunities must be harnessed with strategic investments and policy support to sustain momentum. Crucially, efforts must focus on equipping communicators with skills to translate complex scientific concepts into culturally grounded, accessible narratives, and on cultivating a reading and learning culture that values science as integral to societal well-being.
In sum, the advancement of science communication in Punjabi underscores the imperative that scientific literacy not be confined to elite circles but woven into the fabric of regional linguistic communities, a prerequisite for an inclusive knowledge society.
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This paper was presented by the author at the NCSC National Conference on Science Communication, organized by the National Center for Science Communicators, Mumbai. The conference was held at Nehru Science Centre, Mumbai, India, on 13-14 Jan. 2026. Conference Theme: "Evolution of Science Communication in Indian Languages."
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