Mother Tongue (Editorial of Rising Kashmir Thursday, 27 Jun 2013 at 10:37 PM) Collective efforts are needed to safeguard Kashmiri language for posterity One of the major concerns of our times is the ‘slow death’ of Kashmiri language. We have a habit of blaming government for every other issue. But the bitter truth is that besides the official neglect, people are also indifferent towards the preservation of the mother tongue. The future of Kashmiri language is a matter of concern given its declining use in homes even as demands for its safeguard have received impetus in recent years. Lack of political will has been the main impediment in the implementation of measures for promoting the language. However, civil society cannot be absolved of the responsibility. The need of the hour is to go beyond speeches and resolutions and actively campaign for the cause. Collective efforts can go a long way in securing due recognition for our mother tongue. At home, parents should encourage their children to learn and speak Kashmiri and at school, teaching of the language should be strictly followed. Using Kashmiri language in media awareness campaigns on various public welfare issues can ensure wider and more effective dissemination. The state government should follow the footsteps of South Indian states like Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Kerala and Andhra Pradesh which have accorded priority to respective their languages without losing out on development in any sector. The government should step in by framing a comprehensive policy for the conservation of Kashmiri. The literary and cultural organisation should also continue with their efforts to promote the language. The valley is blessed with some of the most versatile Kashmiri writers. The prose and poetry works in the language also need to be promoted to encourage more and more people to write in their mother tongue. Language is part of our identity which needs to be safeguarded for posterity.
Posted on: Fri, 28 Jun 2013 02:22:02 +0000
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