CM Bhagwant Mann: A 1,980-Page Guide Connecting Global Punjabis to Their Roots
In a landmark initiative to document the historical legacy, civilizational struggles, and rich cultural tapestry of Punjab, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is set to unveil an extensive three-volume encyclopedic work titled 'History of Punjab' on October 4, 2026. Edited and published by the Punjab Arts Council, Chandigarh, the sprawling 1,980-page compendium is dedicated specifically to the Punjabi diaspora spread across North America, Europe, Australia, and worldwide, as well as the younger generation residing in India. Designed to capture the distinct spirit, resilience, and fragrance of Punjab's soil, this seminal publication aims to serve as a comprehensive intellectual bridge reconnecting youth with their ancestral roots, historical milestones, and cultural identity.
Grand Release at Punjab Kala Bhawan: Dedicated to the Global Punjabi Diaspora
The official book release ceremony is planned as a major literary and cultural gathering in Chandigarh:
Venue and Dignitaries: The official launch is scheduled for October 4 at the prestigious Punjab Kala Bhawan in Sector 16, Chandigarh, with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann presiding as the chief guest alongside leading academics, historians, and literary luminaries.
Presided by Prof. Indu Banga: Renowned historian and authority on agrarian and political history of Punjab, Prof. Indu Banga, will preside over the scholarly proceedings, offering critical perspectives on the historiographical relevance of the compilation.
Reaching the Punjabi Diaspora: Recognizing that millions of non-resident Punjabis (NRPs) seek authentic, well-researched pedagogical resources to impart their native heritage to children born abroad, the state government has consciously dedicated this three-volume edition to Punjabis living across the globe.
8 Months of Rigorous Research: 1,980 Pages Chronicling Identity and Heritage
The three-volume compendium represents months of academic curation led by prominent literary and cultural figures:
Meticulous Curation: Punjab Arts Council Chairman, acclaimed poet, and painter Swaranjit Savi revealed that bringing the massive publication to fruition required more than eight months of intensive archival collation, peer review, and editorial rigor.
Editorial Leadership: The core editorial steering committee was spearheaded by Swaranjit Savi, accompanied by eminent scholars Dr. Yograj and Dr. Akal Amrit Kaur, who unified thematic chapters across three distinct volumes.
Authentic Historical Documentation: Spanning across 1,980 detailed pages, the book brings together scholarly monographs, archival accounts, and analytical treatises that trace Punjab’s ancient civilization, medieval resilience, Sikh history, colonial resistance, and post-partition socio-cultural resurgence.
Scholarly Contributions: A Lasting Guide for Students, Researchers, and Future Generations
The compendium brings together distinguished voices from the Punjabi literary and academic fraternity:
Essays by Leading Thinkers: The volumes feature in-depth, research-backed chapters authored by distinguished intellectuals, including respected cultural theorist and writer Amarjit Singh Grewal, alongside prominent contemporary historians.
A Roadmap for Future Generations: Beyond chronicling past events, the publication addresses modern cultural evolution, linguistic vitality, and philosophical traditions that define the self-respecting Punjabi ethos (Wakhra Swag and Chardi Kala).
Invaluable Academic Resource: Designed as an enduring reference text, the set will serve students, university researchers, libraries, and history enthusiasts worldwide who seek an authentic, unvarnished portal into the land of the five rivers.

