The Punjab Institute of Oriental & Indian Languages (PIOIL) is a vibrant hub for scholarly discourse. We regularly host national and international seminars, conferences, and practical workshops designed to foster critical thinking, disseminate original research, and provide hands-on training in our core disciplines.
Upcoming Events (2026)
| Event Title | Date & Time | Venue | Focus Area | Registration/Details |
| National Seminar: The Bhakti Movement & Punjabi Literature | February 14-15, 2026 | PIOIL Auditorium | Interdisciplinary study of medieval poetry, philosophy, and cultural impact. | [Download Brochure] – Abstract Submission Deadline: Jan 15, 2026 |
| Workshop on Gurmukhi Manuscript Restoration | March 5-7, 2026 (9:30 AM – 4:30 PM) | Library Preservation Lab | Hands-on training for scholars in preservation techniques, paper repair, and binding. | Limited seats (20). [Apply Online] – Fee: ₹ 1,500 |
| Distinguished Lecture Series: Arabic Philosophy in the Mughal Era | April 10, 2026 (11:00 AM) | Seminar Hall | Speaker: Prof. Zahir Khan (University of London, UK). Open to all. | [Join Via Live Stream] |
| International Conference on Indo-Persian Lexicography | October 10-12, 2026 | Institute Convention Centre | Comparative study of Persian, Urdu, and regional vocabularies in historical texts. | [Visit Conference Website] – Last Date for Full Paper Submission: July 31, 2026 |
Archives of Recent Events
We are proud of the scholarly events recently hosted by our departments. Recordings, proceedings, and photo galleries from these past events are available for reference.
1. AI and Digital Humanities in Oriental Studies
- Date: November 28-29, 2025
- Focus: Explored the application of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning tools for digitizing and analyzing Oriental language texts, including Sanskrit, Persian, and Gurmukhi manuscripts.
- Key Outcome: Development of a collaborative research roadmap for creating an open-source OCR tool for the Shahmukhi script.
- [Access Workshop Proceedings]
2. Seminar on Classical Sanskrit Poetics ($Kāvyādarśa$)
- Date: September 1, 2025
- Focus: A single-day intensive seminar focusing on Dandin’s $Kāvyādarśa$, with readings and commentary by renowned Sanskrit scholars.
- Speakers Included: Dr. Meera Sharma (JNU, New Delhi) and Dr. Anil Verma (PI, Chandigarh).
- [View Photo Gallery]
3. Interdisciplinary Workshop: Sufi Mysticism in Persian and Punjabi
- Date: August 15-17, 2025
- Focus: Comparative study of Sufi thought, literary genres (like Kafi and Qawwali), and cultural syncretism across Persian and Punjabi linguistic spheres.
- [Watch Keynote Address Video]
Call for Proposals
PIOIL actively encourages scholars, researchers, and students to propose seminars, workshops, and guest lectures related to Oriental and Indian languages and culture.
Submission Guidelines:
- Scope: Must align with the Institute’s core disciplines (Sanskrit, Punjabi, Persian, Arabic, Prakrits, Pali, and related cultural studies).
- Format: Submit a detailed proposal (maximum 1,000 words) including the theme, list of potential speakers, target audience, and proposed budget.
- Review: Proposals are reviewed bi-annually by the Academic Events Committee.