BATHINDA: Beijing Foreign Studies University (BFSU), a public university affiliated to Chinese ministry of education has added Punjabi language to its list of foreign languages. With addition of Punjabi language, it will be 102nd foreign language to be taught at the premier Chinese university. Zameerpal Kaur Sandhu Bajwa, Professor at the Bathinda based Central University of Punjab, has been appointed as foreign expert in South Asian Studies and Punjabi language at the BFSU for the academic session 2026-27.Punjabi and distinct Punjabi culture has been taught in schools in US, Canada and other countries.The university has a distinguished alumni network as more than 400 graduates have served as ambassadors and over 2,000 have served as counsellors so far earning BFSU the reputation of being ‘A Cradle for Diplomats’, said Prof Zameerpal Kaur speaking to TOI over phone from Beijing.Prof Zameerpal joined the BFSU for a year on March 7 and presently 12 Chinese students are learning the basics of the Punjabi language from her for over a week now.Over the years, BFSU has trained a significant number of professionals with strong linguistic and intercultural competence who serve both within and beyond China as diplomats, ambassadors, counsellors, translators, interpreters, journalists, lawyers, and bankers.“During the upcoming two semesters, I will teach courses on Punjabi language, literature and folklore; Punjab history and culture; Sanskrit poetics and literary theories to Chinese students, officials, and diplomats specializing in foreign studies at BFSU”, said Prof Zameerpal, who is the founder faculty member at CUP as she had joined in 2009 when the university was constituted and served as Dean of the School of Languages, Literature and Culture. Upon the completion of her one year tenure she will return to CUP. Besides teaching the language, she will conduct classes in Punjabi history and culture. The foreign languages are mostly taught to Chinese students as well as diplomats and officials to specialise in foreign languages.She will also deliver expert lectures at the School of South Asian Studies in her areas of specialization. During her tenure at BFSU, she will also have the opportunity to learn the Chinese language, as the university offers a special Chinese language course designed specifically for its Foreign Experts.BFSU is one of China’s premier universities operating under the Ministry of Education, which is included in Project 211 and the Double First-Class University Plan, two major national initiatives aimed at strengthening China’s higher education institutions.
