Contribution short abstract:

The paper explores how rumors in the Punjab region carry epistemological values, transmitting cultural knowledge and heritage through folklore and stories. It emphasizes the cultural significance of rumors and their vital role in preserving cultural heritage and communal solidarity.

Contribution long abstract:

Through this paper, I would like to delve into the multifaceted role of rumors within the cultural fabric of the Punjab region, specifically examining how rumors serve as a form of academia for its inhabitants. How within this rich cultural tapestry, rumors are vehicles for the transmission of cultural knowledge and heritage, manifesting as folklore and stories passed down through generations. I would like to draw upon media anthropology and cultural transmission theories, to investigate the nuanced interplay between rumors, academia, and cultural dissemination.

I will explore the Punjab region's vibrant cultural landscape, emphasizing the centrality of oral traditions, storytelling, and folklore in shaping the collective identity of its people. And how these narratives, often dismissed as hearsay, embody significant cultural teachings, historical insights, and communal wisdom.

Moreover, I would like to emphasize the need to recognize the cultural significance of rumors as not merely speculative tales but as fundamental components of Punjab's epistemological tradition. By acknowledging the parallels between rumors and Western epistemological values, this research underscores the vital role of these narratives in preserving cultural heritage and communal solidarity.