About PSA at OSU
We are the Punjabi Students Association (PSA) at The Ohio State University — a community celebrating Punjabi culture, language, music, dance, food, and history across the Punjabi diaspora.
What is Punjab?
Punjab (literally “land of five rivers”) is a historical region spanning present‑day Indian Punjab and Pakistani Punjab. Fertile plains, wheat and mustard fields, and a vibrant agrarian life shape Punjabi identity. Punjabi is among the world’s most‑spoken languages and is written in two primary scripts: Gurmukhi (primarily in India) and Shahmukhi (Perso‑Arabic script, used in Pakistan).
Culture at a glance
- Dance: Energetic Bhangra and expressive Giddha.
- Music & instruments: The heartbeat dhol, melodic tumbi and algoza, and lyrical folk traditions.
- Cuisine: Comforts like sarson da saag & makki di roti, lassi, chole bhature, parathas, and sweets like jalebi and gulab jamun.
- Textiles: Phulkari embroidery and leather jutti.
- Festivals: Vaisakhi (harvest and Khalsa founding), Lohri, Basant, and Gurpurabs.
- Sport: Kabaddi — strength, speed, and strategy.
History — a very short timeline
- Ancient roots in the Indus valley region; a crossroads of trade and ideas.
- Flourishing of Sikh history and the Sikh Empire under Maharaja Ranjit Singh (19th century).
- 1947 Partition split the region between India and Pakistan — a pivotal moment for Punjabi communities.
- Post‑Partition diaspora: Punjabis helped shape global culture across the UK, North America, and beyond.
Our Mission at OSU
We bring together Indian and Pakistani Punjabis — and anyone who loves Punjabi culture — to build community, bridge divides, and showcase the arts, stories, and traditions of Punjab through events, performances, food, and collaborations across campus.
PSA Timeline
- 2024–2025: Re‑established at OSU
- 2025: Flagship culture night and collaborations
- 2025+: Expanding outreach, performances, and service
FAQ
Who can join? Everyone — all backgrounds welcome.
Are there dues? No.
How to stay updated? Email punjabisaosu@gmail.com or follow @punjabi.osu on Instagram.