Sadhu Binning : Punjabi Language in the Schools of British Columbia

This interview is a part of the “Punjabi in BC” oral history project (2019-2023). “Punjabi in BC” is comprised of interviews with over 50 K-12 teachers, language advocates, journalists, and writers who have contributed to the life of the Punjabi language in British Columbia, Canada. Sadhu Binning, the subject of this interview, is a community leader and author who was born in Punjab, India, and has lived most of his life in the Vancouver area since migrating to Canada in 1967. He was central to the foundation of the Punjabi language studies program at UBC, teaching there from 1988 to 2008. He has published more than eighteen books of poetry, fiction, plays, translations, and research. Mr. Binning is a leader in the Punjabi arts and writing community. He is also a founder of the Punjabi Language Education Association and has been actively promoting the Punjabi language in educational institutions in BC. This interview is divided into two segments and includes one promotional video. In the interview, Sadhu Binning talks about his life in Canada since he migrated. He discusses challenges for the recognition of Punjabi language, his advocacy for Punjabi medium education in schools in BC and the efforts of the Punjabi Language Education Association.