About Us
Society For Development Of Scientific Temperament
The Society For Development Of Scientific Temperament (SFDOST) is a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering progress and digital empowerment within the Punjabi-speaking community. We champion the Punjabi language not as a marker of religion, but as a shared heritage uniting individuals from all backgrounds, regardless of caste, creed, or faith. Our overarching goal is to digitally empower the Punjab region, enabling Punjabi speakers to fully leverage digital platforms for their daily lives and livelihoods.
Our Mission
Our mission is to ensure that every individual who identifies Punjabi as their primary or preferred language has equitable opportunities for growth and advancement. We believe that language should never be a barrier to progress or access.
Why only Punjabi?
We've chosen to focus specifically on the Punjabi language because the recent global challenges disproportionately impacted Punjabi speakers. During the pandemic, as the world rapidly shifted to digital platforms for essential services and information, many Punjabi speakers faced significant hurdles due to the scarcity of resources and services available in their language. As individuals deeply connected to Punjab, we are committed to seeing our community thrive. Our primary aim is to increase the availability of Punjabi content on digital platforms and encourage its widespread adoption within the community for their collective benefit. In today's digital age, enhanced digital literacy and awareness are crucial for improving lives and livelihoods. SFDOST actively collaborates with various government departments to garner support and partnerships in this vital endeavor.
Digital Platform Te Punjabi (DPTeP)
This initiative is designed to encourage the collective development of the Punjabi community. A key component of this effort is Digital Platform Te Punjabi (DPTeP), which encourages young people to use Punjabi on digital platforms. This helps raise the language's profile, leading to the development of more tools and applications in Punjabi.
We are actively engaging with various organizations and multinational corporations that provide services, advocating for the inclusion of Punjabi language options to ensure broader access and benefit for the Punjabi-speaking population. We also aim to collaborate with and highlight organizations already doing excellent work in this area, increasing awareness and understanding of available resources within the Punjabi community.
Taraki Video Contest
The Taraki Video Contest is designed to inspire young people (aged 10-18) towards personal and community success. Participants are encouraged to create videos exploring themes of progress, whether it's individual achievement, family advancement, or community development. This initiative helps participants define success and understand how to achieve it.
Wajifa
The Wajifa Scholarship Scheme offers an exciting opportunity for students aspiring to clear the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examination after completing Class 12. This scheme motivates and supports these students with cash rewards for exceptional achievement. The primary objective is to encourage students to invest their efforts in preparing for competitive exams like the UPSC, which open doors to diverse public sector career opportunities. By incentivizing success in the UPSC exam, Wajifa aims to engage students in career-oriented activities, fostering their dedication and commitment to public service.
Bridging the Tender Gap
In Punjab, a significant language disparity exists in government tenders. A survey of 1,760 tenders revealed that only 30 were available in Punjabi, despite the region's rich linguistic heritage. This stark contrast with political promises of inclusive employment opportunities has the potential to marginalize Punjabi speakers. Concerned citizens and groups are advocating for bilingual tenders in both Punjabi and English, promoting equal opportunity and honoring cultural identity. Supporters are rallying through petitions and community discussions, pushing for greater transparency and inclusivity. This move towards linguistic equality not only supports economic growth but also respects Punjab's cultural roots.
Tech Talks in Punjabi
"Tech Talks in Punjabi" is a web series featuring Punjabi technical experts. These talks aim to explore the challenges in promoting Punjabi in the digital realm and discuss how existing technologies can be leveraged to reach a wider audience and encourage the use of Punjabi on digital platforms.
These initiatives represent just a few of our ongoing efforts to promote the Punjabi language, enhance its presence and services on digital platforms, and contribute to the overall progress of Punjab and its people.