Jammu: Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, on Wednesday inaugurated the two day Gojri Literary and Cultural programme, organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) at K L Saigal Hall, Jammu.
Secretary, JKAACL, Harvinder Kaur, Chairperson Gurjar Desk Charitable Trust, Arshid Ali Choudhary, Chief Editor, JKAACL, Dr Javid Rahi, Dr. Nikhat Choudhary, writers and artists participated in the programme.
Javed Rana emphasised the significance of Gojri as an important language of Jammu and Kashmir saying that every language needs cultural and literary programmes for their propagation and revival.
“Cultural programmes, which aim to celebrate and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities of Jammu and Kashmir, provide a platform to preserve and restore the pristine glory of Gojri language. These programmes breathe new life into the ancient languages,” maintained the Minister.
While commending JKAACL for showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Gujjar-Bakerwal community, Rana stressed the importance of collective efforts by all other stakeholders on this account. “We as a society have to fulfil our responsibility and work towards preservation and propagation of our native languages. Conscience keepers of the Gujjar heritage have to play their crucial role in promoting and propagating the Gojri dialect,” he asserted.
Lauding the writers, artists who work passionately for preservation and propagation of Gojri, Javed Rana stressed the importance of documenting traditional folk culture. He lamented the fact that many people feel ashamed in speaking their mother tongue. He said that local languages are the key towards understanding the unique history, folklore and traditions of that particular region.
The Minister further said that under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, our government will be giving equal importance to all languages so as to develop them to be useful instruments for advancement of the nation. He also called for a collaborative effort between the Tribal Research Institute of J&K and JKAACL to preserve and promote tribal languages and cultures.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Minister inaugurated a Gojri book exhibition showcasing publications by JKAACL.
Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kour, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the Academy’s systematic approach towards developing regional languages through preservation and promotional efforts. He also talked about the initiatives especially designed for promotion of the Gojri language.
Dr. Javaid Rahi, in his welcome address, outlined the objectives of the conference. He stated that the event provides a platform for Gojri writers to exchange ideas on tribal language and cultural issues. He also mentioned that the Gojri wing, established in 1978, has published nearly 1,000 books on diverse topics.
Arshad Ali Choudhary, Chairman of Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, Jammu, speaking as the Guest of Honour, termed the conference a milestone in the history of Gojri language.
The inaugural session was followed by a paper-reading session chaired by noted broadcaster Hassan Parwaz and journalist Altaf Janjua.
The session featured presentations by Dr. Nikhat Choudhary, Shazia Chowdhary, Tariq Fahim and Tariq Ibrar, focusing on topics such as the Gotra system among Gujjars of Rajouri, the pastures of Bakerwals in Rajouri and Gujjar habitation in Jammu district.
A cultural program added vibrancy to the event, featuring performances by prominent Gojri artists Bashir Mastana, Shadia Chowdhary, Asiya Poswal, Naseem Akhter, Muzamil Shah and others, showcasing the rich musical heritage of the community.
