Dedicated to teaching Punjabi language

The Star

2 days ago

For over three decades, Dayal Singh has devoted his life to keeping the Punjabi language alive among Sikhs in Malaysia.
The former government school teacher began his career teaching English in Kuala Lipis, Pahang, in 1969 and retired in Sitiawan, Perak in 2003.
But his work as a Punjabi educator extended far beyond the classroom.
In the late 1980s, he was roped in to teach Punjabi at the local gurdwara in Sitiawan.
'I did not plan it, but I took the challenge and it became a turning point in my life; teaching Punjabi quickly became a labour of love.
'I have been teaching the Punjabi language even before Punjabi Education Centres (PECs) were established in 2001, and I was among the pioneer teachers in the programme.
'In 2010, I moved to Seremban in Negri Sembilan, and although I had intentions to retire upon relocation, my passion could not be extinguished,' Dayal said.
He offered to help after noticing a class at the Gurdwara Sahib Mantin was struggling.
Every Saturday since, he has been making the 15km journey from his home to Mantin, teaching beginners and advanced learners phonetics, a skill that helps children who struggle with basic reading.
'Even when I am not well, I teach, as that makes me well and happy,' he added.
Dayal emulates the dedication of his father, Ram Singh, who had taught him the basics at his hometown in Batu Gajah, Perak.
'In Batu Gajah back then, we had Punjabi classes every day after school. It became a part of who I am.
'Teaching Punjabi is more than just a service, it is a responsibility for me,' said the man who is fondly known as 'Masterji' (teacher).
Similarly, Guru Nanak Institution (GNI) principal Phajan Kaur remains an inspiring force in Punjabi language education.
Also a retired government school teacher, Phajan returned to her hometown in Ipoh, Perak, from Johor upon her retirement.
Dayal teaching children at the Punjabi Education Centre in Gurdwara Sahib Mantin in Negri Sembilan. — Courtesy photo
Phajan said she was recruited as part of the teaching workforce in the year 2000, just as KDM was in the midst of working on the framework of the PECs. Punjabi language lessons started in 2001.
'I scored an 'A' for SPM Punjabi Paper, so they pulled me in because I had the background and passion for teaching.
'I started teaching upper secondary classes and still teach until today.
'Although the student enrolment has dropped since 2001, I still see a glimmer of hope,' she said.
She noted that children were more distracted these days with other activities and unfortunately, many parents did not prioritise Punjabi language education.
'Interest is still there but it heavily depends on parental involvement, especially from mothers,' said Phajan.
She said students who shone, always had a strong support system at home.
In order to keep students engaged, her team organises activities such as language carnivals and monthly birthday celebrations as well as use technology tools in class, including laptops and digital resources.
'We also hold student seminars. Every student is assessed through mid-year and end-year exams, and the school holds report card days where teachers meet with parents to discuss student progress and placement,' she said.
'Some families still struggle, especially those with three children or more.
'If a parent can afford to pay for one child, KDM tries to sponsor the other two,' she added.
Despite the challenges, Phajan remains deeply committed.
'This is not just about language but about identity, values and keeping our roots alive for the next generation,' she said.
During the 25th anniversary of Khalsa Diwan Malaysia's Punjabi education programme in Kuala Lumpur in May, Dayal and Phajan were among recipients who received the long service and 25 years of service awards respectively.