The 2025 Lisa Sansoucy Language Scholar Award was awarded to Mahnoor B. Cheema, a senior in Biological Sciences in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Mahnoor has completed four semesters of Punjabi through the Shared Course Initiative (SCI) and embodies the deep passion for language, heritage, and cultural connection that this award celebrates.
Named in memory of our colleague Lisa Sansoucy, who passed away in 2021, the award recognizes a student who excels in learning a less commonly taught language through the SCI and demonstrates a profound commitment to language and cultural engagement. Mahnoor's story is one of both personal healing and scholarly pursuit, rooted in a mission to preserve her Punjabi heritage.
Mahnoor's connection to the Punjabi language is deeply personal. She began learning Punjabi in memory of her late father, who was fluent in the language but passed away when she was only eight years old. "I often say, I am learning Punjabi in the loving memory of my father," she shares. "Every lesson brings me closer to his memory and my roots."
Her professor at Columbia University and nominator, Dr. Sandeep Singh Chohan, noted, "Mahnoor has been an exceptional student, demonstrating deep dedication and passion for her Punjabi heritage. She's acutely aware of the declining use of Punjabi in West Punjab and is determined to preserve it. Her contributions to class discussions and her insightful perspectives reflect both scholarly rigor and heartfelt commitment."
Mahnoor, who is also fluent in Urdu and Hindi, has used her language skills in volunteer work as a translator in healthcare settings—an early expression of her goal to become a physician who can bridge language barriers in medicine. "This award is not just a personal accolade—it is a celebration of my commitment to preserving and sharing the beauty of my native language," she says. "It affirms my determination to bridge cultural gaps and keep the dying embers of Punjabi vibrant and alive."
Her journey with Punjabi, particularly through SCI and the guidance of Professor Chohan, has been transformative. She has explored the nuances of scripts and dialects—Shahmukhi in West Punjab, Gurmukhi in East Punjab—recognizing them as symbols of a divided yet shared cultural legacy. "This distinction—often described as the subtle separation between Lehnda and Charda Punjabi—illustrates the complexity and beauty of our heritage," Mahnoor reflects.
Beyond the classroom, Mahnoor's dreams extend into creative expression. She is developing a documentary titled Sanjha Punjab (One Punjab) and hopes to launch a podcast and cultural programs to highlight the many facets of Punjabi identity across borders. She also hopes to study less commonly spoken languages such as Balochi and Saraiki, expanding her understanding of regional identities in South Asia.
One of the most moving aspects of her experience has been the cross-cultural dialogue fostered through her classes. "As a Muslim Punjabi from Pakistan, I've had the opportunity to share my experiences while also learning from Sikh Punjabi classmates from India. These exchanges remind me that language is not a barrier, but a vibrant bridge that connects hearts and histories, transcending political and cultural divides."
Mahnoor's passion, resilience, and service-oriented mindset exemplify the spirit of the Lisa Sansoucy Language Scholar Award. "It stands as a testament to the countless hours spent in study and reflection, the memories of my father, and the hopes I carry for a future where every word I speak is a tribute to my roots—and a beacon for bridging social, cultural, and generational gaps."
We are honored to celebrate Mahnoor and her extraordinary journey. Congratulations!
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