Khooh Bolda Hai performed before an audience

Since 2004

A story that began with the courage to speak.

Punjabi Samvad began when Amit Bawa and Jyoti Bawa chose to act on gender-based violence and discrimination.

The beginning

A platform for conversations that were difficult to start.

The early work brought social issues into the open through dialogue and creative expression. Khooh Bolda Hai, written and directed by Jyoti Bawa, addressed female foeticide, gender discrimination and the dignity of girls.

It established a principle that still shapes Punjabi Samvad: people engage more deeply when an issue is made human, immediate and possible to discuss.

Actors performing Khooh Bolda Hai — Theatre became an early language of public awareness.

1,100,000+people reached

20+ yearsof community work

Khooh Bolda Hai helped communities confront female foeticide and discrimination against girls in a shared public space.

Our journey

Built step by step, with communities at the centre.

2004

Punjabi Samvad begins

Amit Bawa and Jyoti Bawa start work in response to gender discrimination and social concerns around them.

2009

A formal organisation

Punjabi Samvad is registered, giving its community work a lasting institutional base.

2014

The work continues

After Amit Bawa’s passing, Jyoti Bawa carries forward the organisation they built together.

2017

Culture travels further

Tirhayi Umar and participation in the World Punjabi Conference extend the use of documentary and culture for social awareness.

Today

A wider national focus

Community experience now meets institutional partnerships designed to take useful programmes to more people.

The work expanded

From one urgent issue to a connected view of social well-being.

Education and vocational programmes created opportunities for women, girls and young people. Health work addressed HIV/AIDS, menstrual health and mental well-being. Substance-abuse prevention combined expert sessions, community outreach and film.

Community substance-abuse awareness programme

Students participating in a Punjabi Samvad awareness programme

Young performers presenting Khooh Bolda Hai

Continuing the work

The organisation moved forward without losing sight of why it began.

After Amit Bawa’s passing in 2014, Jyoti Bawa continued the work they began together. As President, she leads Punjabi Samvad across women’s empowerment, education, public health, mental well-being, substance-abuse awareness and Punjabi culture.

The methods have grown and the partnerships have widened, but dialogue remains the starting point.

Explore our work