SRINAGAR, SEPT 23: PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday interacted with prominent Kashmiri language scholars, writers, poets, authors and veteran cultural activists to discuss measures for the preservation, promotion and wider use of the Kashmiri language.
During the interaction, participants shared concerns and suggestions regarding the present status of Kashmiri language, literature and cultural traditions.
They emphasised that efforts to preserve the mother tongue should extend beyond literary gatherings and academic institutions, with greater use of Kashmiri encouraged in homes, families, educational institutions, society and public life.
The participants also called for greater recognition and practical use of Kashmiri in government institutions and other public platforms, stressing that regular exposure to the language in everyday life is important for its continued relevance among younger generations.
They highlighted the historical role played by Radio Kashmir Srinagar, Doordarshan Srinagar and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in promoting Kashmiri language and culture.
Participants recalled that radio and television had for decades provided platforms for Kashmiri dramas, literary programmes, music, poetry, cultural discussions and programmes representing different sections of society.
According to the participants, these institutions helped connect Kashmiri with everyday life while providing opportunities to writers, poets, musicians, actors, dramatists and other artists.
The contribution of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages was also discussed, particularly its work related to Kashmiri literature, Sufi poetry, literary research, publications, dictionaries and documentation of the region’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
Concern was expressed over what participants described as a decline in the visibility and effectiveness of institutions that have traditionally supported Kashmiri language and cultural activities.
They called for such institutions to be made more active through regular literary and cultural programmes, publications and platforms for established as well as emerging writers and artists.
Participants also highlighted the economic challenges faced by people working in the creative and literary fields. They said writers, artists, musicians, dramatists and other cultural workers require meaningful institutional support and opportunities to sustain their work.
They stressed that people who have devoted decades to Kashmiri language and culture should continue to receive platforms where their experience and knowledge can be passed on to younger generations.
The interaction also focused on engaging young people with Kashmiri through contemporary media and digital platforms.
Participants suggested greater use of social media and other digital avenues to encourage young people to read, write and communicate in Kashmiri, while simultaneously preserving traditional forms of poetry, storytelling, drama and music.
Mehbooba Mufti listened to the concerns and suggestions put forward by the participants and acknowledged the importance of preserving Kashmir’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
The discussion emphasised the need for collective efforts involving society, cultural institutions and the government to create greater space for Kashmiri in homes, schools, media, public institutions and everyday life.
Participants said preservation of Kashmiri is closely connected with safeguarding the literary, cultural and historical traditions associated with generations of Kashmiris.
The interaction concluded with a call for sustained efforts and continued dialogue among scholars, writers, poets, artists, cultural activists and other stakeholders to formulate practical measures for promoting the Kashmiri language and preserving its rich cultural heritage.
