SURREY – International Mother Language Day is celebrated around the globe in February. It was designated as such by UNESCO about 25 years ago. Punjabi Language Education Association (PLEA) has been celebrating this special occasion for 19 years. This is the 20th year of PLEA’s celebration of this day. PLEA’s Board of directors has been working hard in making this day a memorable one for the well wishers of Punjabi language. With support from Deepak Binning Foundation and Taj Park Convention Centre, international mother language day will be celebrated from 1PM  to 3 PM on Sunday, February 23 at Taj Park Convention Centre, 8580 -132 Street in Surrey. 

PLEA has put together an impressive agenda to celebrate this occasion. Jessie Sunner, Surrey -Newton M.L.A. and Parliamentary Secretary to Attorney General and Deputy Premier Niki Sharma, will be the keynote speaker. Representatives of three school districts-Surrey, Delta and Abbotsford- will each give an update about the Punjabi classes in their respective districts. We are pleased to have long time trustee and community activist Garry Thind represent Surrey, Nimmi Daula represent Delta and Abbotsford School District Vice Chair Preet Rai give an update about Abbotsford School District.Several students of Punjabiclasses  from various schools, colleges and universities will present poetry, songs and stories. Jaiden Gill and Rohan Gill will present a short inspiring video to learn Punjabi. 

PLEA is pleased to recognize two of its Board members, authors and Surrey teachers Parabjot Kaur and Harman Pandher. They will introduce their latest books and inspire our youth. After that,  Two of our community’s prominent singers-Sukhi Lali and Binder Rode- will entertain the audience with their popular songs. PLEA cordially invites everyone to come and be a part of the annual celebration of our mother tongue Punjabi. There is no admission fee. Taj Park Convention Centre has a lot of free parking. Refreshments will be available.  

For more information please feel free to contact (Balwant Sanghera) at 604-836-8976 or Sadhu Binning at 778-773-1886.