Literary and cultural societies observe International Mother Tongue Day in north Kashmir
Reyaz Rashid
Baramulla: On International Mother Language Day which was observed across north Kashmir by various literary and cultural organizations, speakers urged for collective and sustained effort by all stakeholders for promotion of mother tongue- Kashmiri language as medium of instruction besides pledged to work for preservation and promotion of Kashmiri language and cultural ethos.
A large number of writers, poets, intellectuals, journalists, public administrators and civil society representatives attended various functions organized across north Kashmir.
In Baramulla, Mehboob Cultural Society Baramulla organized a day long function at Government Girls Higher Secondary School in which speakers pledged to work collectively for preservation and promotion of Kashmiri language as mother tongue.
Speakers urged for collective efforts from cross section of society to for preservation and promotion of Kashmiri language cultural ethos besides development of course content in Kashmiri language.
Renowned writer Khaliq Parvaiz was the chief guest and former Director General Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar Dr Rafiq Masoodi as the guest of honour.
“We have forgotten our mother tongue and speak other languages that too in broken way which hurts. We must encourage our children to speak Kashmir language which is our identity for rest of the languages is secondary,” said poet and writer Taseer Afzal in his critical style.
On the occasion, an array of cultural programmes were organized during which the importance of promoting and preserving the mother language was highlighted. Also a special musharia was organised during which various noted Kashmiri poets read their literary works which evoked quite applause from the audience.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guestDr. Rafiq Masoodi highlighted the importance of mother tongue, especially Kashmiri, Gojri, Dogri, Pahadi, Balti, Dard Sheena and other languages spoken in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said that preservation of mother language is imperative for preservation of culture and ethnicity of a particular area. He said parents should ensure that they converse with their children in their mother tongue more than any other language from an early age.
Senior Journalist and poet, Anzhar Mahjoo said that International Mother Language Day recognizes that languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion, and the Sustainable Development Goals focus on leaving no one behind.
“ There is growing awareness that languages play a vital role in development, in ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue, but also in strengthening co-operation and attaining quality education for all,” he said.
He celebrated upon the theme of International Mother Language Day 2021 which is “Fostering multilingualism for inclusion in education and society,”.
This year’s observance is a call on policymakers, educators and teachers, parents, and families to scale up their commitment to multilingual education, and inclusion in education to advance education recovery in the context of COVID-19, he added.
In Bandipora, speakers said that growing capitalism and consumers is a threat to the indigenous languages besides affecting the existential identity of humanity in the global world.
They said that the Kashmiri Language has a potential to fight linguistic imperialism spreading in different shapes within the present global world.
Mir Tariq Rasool a Scholar and Linguistic Activist said that the linguistic history of different languages is witness to the fact that a language evolves and declines due to various social, political, cultural and economic reasons prevalent in a particular nation.
Mir was speaking during a literary event organized by Literary Forum Bandipora in collaboration with the Department of Education in GHS auditorium.
Explaining linguistic imperialism, Mir said that capitalism and consumerism are the greatest threats to indigenous languages across the global world.
“Every language has particular, cultural, civilization and set of values concealed within the linguistic expression of that language, so to keep the linguistic health of a language the hidden culture and values needs to be maintained in a proper way” Mir said.
“Indigenous languages are under a conscious target to imposes a capitalist languages across the world, this imposition is carried out under the garb of consumerism and capitalism, Mir said
Mir brief about the socio-cultural aspects of Kashmiri language said that being a culturally rich language, Kashmiri have a potential of withstanding any linguistic threat.
Earlier Sufi Showkat President Literary Forum Bandipora discussed the economic aspect of language. Sufi said that Language is a commodity now and every language is being used as means of commoditization.
“To revive and fit the Kashmiri language in contemporary worldview, we need to explore the economic aspects and prospects of this langue” Sufi Said.
Poet and Scholar Shahbaz Hakbari while presenting the presidential address said that the Kashmiri language has its own history and culture.
“The development of Kashmir language is properly possible, if the younger generation gets acquainted with the basic values and social aspects of Kashmiri language” Hakbari said.
GM Zahid and Ishfaq Samoon presented two on the occasion .Mir Dachigami and Zonal Education Officer Muhammad Sayed Shah also spoke on the occasion, while Mansoor Muntazir Secretary LFB carried the proceedings.Later a two poetic session were held during the event . First session was presided by Syed Rampuri and second session n was head by Muhammad Akbar Miskeen. Children from different schools also performed during the occasion.
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