By Adnan Latif
Language embodies more than a mere means of communication; it encapsulates one’s identity, culture, and emotions. The mother tongue holds a sacred place in an individual’s life, cradling their initial linguistic experiences. For Kashmiris, the richness of Kashmiri, their mother tongue, intertwines deeply with their history, culture, and sense of belonging.
Zareef Ahmed Zareef, a distinguished Kashmiri poet, writer, social activist, and environmentalist, illuminates the profound history of the Kashmiri language. Rooted in a legacy dating back 5500 years, the language boasts ancient literary works like the Gilgit manuscripts and Nilamata Purana. The opus Rajtarangini, from the 11th century, exemplifies the diverse influences shaping Kashmiri, amalgamating elements from Sanskrit, Persian, Arabic, and more.
Despite its rich heritage, Kashmiri confronts challenges, notably from the sway of English medium education. Zareef Ahmed Zareef emphasizes that neglect isn’t solely confined to schools but extends to parents and society at large. While acknowledging the value of other languages, preserving the mother tongue should not be sacrificed. Teachers and administrators share the responsibility, and rectifying the gap in their efforts is pivotal in safeguarding Kashmiri.
Insha Wali, a local resident, highlights the repercussions of this neglect. Her brother, once fluent in Kashmiri at home, gradually distances himself from the language after schooling. This scenario mirrors a broader societal bias favoring English and other languages, erroneously equating proficiency in Kashmiri with being illiterate or uneducated.
Preserving Kashmiri necessitates collective endeavors. Mandating Kashmiri as a compulsory subject in schools stands as a crucial step. Fostering a home environment conducive to learning Kashmiri is equally imperative. Insha Wali advocates for awareness campaigns, encouraging families, markets, playgrounds, and social circles to converse in Kashmiri. She stresses that language should not define one’s education or literacy, citing examples of Shikara riders adept in multiple languages.
The significance of preserving mother languages is globally recognized on February 21, observed as International Mother Language Day. This day serves as a reminder to celebrate linguistic diversity and promote the use of mother tongues worldwide.
In conclusion, the beauty of the mother language lies not only in its communication prowess but also in its role as a vessel of love, culture, and identity. For Kashmiris, safeguarding Kashmiri involves acknowledging its historical depth, confronting present challenges, and actively advocating its usage in daily life. The time to act is now, as collective efforts ensure that the melodious echoes of Kashmiri resonate through generations.
Adnan Latif, a student of MCMP from Nowgam, can be reached at bhatadnan300@gmail.com
A best news channel which publishes latest videos from Jammu and Kashmir which includes Politics, Public Grievances, Current affairs, Off-beat stories, Religion, etc. and We want to combine literature and journalism on one platform.
