Srinagar, July 11 (JKNS): Former MLC and Spokesperson, BJP Jammu & Kashmir-UT ,Girdhari Lal Raina on Saturday emphasized that the preservation and promotion of the Kashmiri language is a constitutional, cultural and civilizational responsibility that demands concrete action rather than symbolic gestures.
He said that language is the soul of a civilization. It preserves history, culture, collective memory and identity across generations. Kashmir’s literary, cultural and spiritual heritage is inseparable from the Kashmiri language, making its preservation a national responsibility rather than merely a regional concern.
Raina observed that the Kashmiri language today faces unprecedented challenges arising from globalization, changing social patterns, migration, shrinking inter-generational transmission and inadequate institutional support. Unless urgent corrective measures are taken, this decline will become increasingly difficult to reverse.
Welcoming the decision to introduce Kashmiri as a compulsory subject up to Class IX, he said that this is only a beginning. A comprehensive policy is required to promote Kashmiri language.
He stressed that the linguistic and literary contributions of the displaced Kashmiri Hindu community must also be fully incorporated into all efforts aimed at preserving and promoting the language.
Congratulating Daily Kahwat on completing 15 years of uninterrupted publication, Raina described the achievement as a remarkable contribution to the preservation of the Kashmiri language.
He said that sustaining a daily newspaper in Kashmiri despite limited readership, financial constraints and difficult circumstances reflects extraordinary commitment and deserves appreciation from every section of society.
However, Raina questioned why the only daily newspaper published in the Kashmiri language continues to be denied regular government advertisements despite Kashmiri being one of the Scheduled Languages recognized under the Constitution of India.
He said that if governments genuinely believe in preserving indigenous languages, support must extend beyond speeches and commemorative events. Institutions working for the survival of endangered languages require tangible institutional assistance.
Government advertisements are not merely a financial support mechanism but also an acknowledgement of the importance of preserving linguistic diversity.
Raina urged the Jammu & Kashmir Government to formulate a comprehensive policy for the promotion of the Kashmiri language and to immediately ensure that Daily Kahwat receives the government advertising support it deserves. A publication that has consistently served the cause of the Kashmiri language for fifteen years should not be left to struggle for survival.
He concluded by saying that the future of the Kashmiri language will be secured not by declarations but by determined action.
Preserving it today is a shared responsibility owed to future generations and an essential part of safeguarding India’s rich civilizational heritage. (JKNS)
