Srinagar, Sep 23 (KNS): PDP president and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday interacted with prominent scholars, writers, authors, poets and veteran activists associated with Kashmiri language, literature and cultural traditions, with participants calling for renewed and sustained efforts to preserve and promote the mother tongue.

The interaction brought together people who have devoted decades to Kashmiri literature, scholarship, poetry, music, theatre and the rich oral tradition through which the language has been passed from one generation to another.

During the discussion, participants emphasised that preservation of Kashmiri cannot remain confined to literary gatherings or academic institutions and said the language must continue to be a living medium of communication in homes and families, society, educational spaces and public life.

They also stressed the need for greater recognition and practical use of Kashmiri in government institutions.

A significant part of the discussion focused on the historic contribution of Radio Kashmir Srinagar, Doordarshan Srinagar and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in promoting and preserving Kashmiri language and culture.

Participants recalled that for decades, radio and television served as important platforms for taking Kashmiri to people across the region. Through a wide variety of programmes, these institutions provided space to different sections of society and helped keep the language connected with everyday life.

Kashmiri dramas, literary programmes, music, poetry, cultural discussions and programmes addressing different sections of society played an important role in nurturing a culture of expression in the mother tongue, they said.

The participants noted that such programmes were not merely a source of entertainment but also provided an important platform for writers, poets, musicians, actors, artists and other creative professionals to contribute to the preservation and development of Kashmiri language and culture.

The contribution of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages was also recalled, particularly its initiatives relating to Sufi poets and Kashmir's rich literary heritage.

The Academy, participants said, had over the years provided platforms to writers and scholars and brought out literary and cultural magazines and publications aimed at promoting language and literature.

Its work relating to Kashmiri dictionaries, documentation, literary research and preservation of the linguistic heritage was also highlighted.

At the same time, serious concern was expressed over what participants described as a decline in the visibility and effectiveness of institutions involved in promoting Kashmiri language and culture.

They said institutions that once provided sustained platforms for writers, performers, musicians, dramatists and literary workers need to be made more active and effective so that their original purpose of promoting the language can be strengthened.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

It was pointed out that a language survives not merely through official declarations but through people who write it, speak it, perform it, sing it and bring it to life through literature, drama, music and storytelling.

Participants also raised concerns over the economic difficulties faced by people associated with the creative and literary fields. They said writers, performers, musicians, dramatists and other cultural workers, whose contribution is essential to keeping the language alive, require meaningful institutional support and opportunities to sustain their creative work.

Those who have dedicated their lives to Kashmiri language and culture should not be left without platforms or livelihood opportunities, they said, calling for stronger institutional mechanisms to ensure that their knowledge and talent continue to benefit society and future generations.

The participants stressed the need to revitalise institutions associated with Kashmiri language and culture by providing them with meaningful programmes, regular literary and cultural activities, publications and opportunities for young writers and artists.

They suggested that radio, television, cultural institutions and literary bodies could once again play a more prominent role in promoting Kashmiri through contemporary programmes while preserving traditional forms of poetry, storytelling, drama and music.

The discussion also emphasised the need to involve the younger generation. Participants said young people should be encouraged to read, write and communicate in Kashmiri, while modern platforms and digital media should be utilised to take the language to a wider audience.

Mehbooba listened to the concerns and suggestions raised by the scholars, writers and cultural activists and acknowledged the importance of preserving Kashmir's linguistic and cultural heritage.

The interaction highlighted the need for society, cultural institutions and the government to work collectively towards creating an environment in which Kashmiri receives greater space in homes, schools, cultural institutions, media and public life.

Participants said preserving Kashmiri was not simply a question of protecting a language but also of preserving the literary, cultural and historical memory associated with generations of Kashmiris.

They also said similar programmes and interactions would be organised in the future to continue dialogue with scholars, writers, artists and other stakeholders and explore practical measures for the promotion and preservation of Kashmiri language and culture.

The interaction brought into focus the shared concern that a language remains alive when it is spoken at home, taught to children, written by authors, performed by artists, sung by musicians and given meaningful space in public institutions.

The participants called for renewed and sustained efforts to ensure that Kashmiri continues to flourish and its rich legacy is passed on to future generations.(KNS)