Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 12: “Samanbal -16” begins with a two -day literary and cultural meet here today. It was organized by Kashmir Cultural Trust (KCT) in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art ,Culture and Languages here today. The two day conference was inaugurated by Dr. Aziz Hajini Secretary JKAACL while Prof Ashok Aima Vice Chancellor Central University of Jammu presided over the function.
Dr Roop Krishen Bhat Managing Trustee of K C T and organiser of the meet read the welcome address. While welcoming the participants he said Kashmir Cultural Trust is working for preservation, promotion of Kashmiri language and culture and Samanbal is an effort in that direction.
Dr. Hajini said that the contribution of Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmiri language and culture has been tremendous and in case we remove their contribution from the history nothing substantial shall be left. But the present situation for both the communities of Kashmiri Muslims and Pandits is very alarming so far as preservation of Kashmiri language is concerned. While Kashmiri Pandits have their compulsions staying away in various diasporas but even Kashmiri Muslims living in their own environment are losing interest in their language very fast and urgent measures are required to be taken to preserve our legacy.
Prof Omkar Koul an eminent Linguist and former Director of Central Institute of Indian languages ,Mysore in his keynote address said that in case the language is not used in education, administration and media it will not survive for long as these three aspects are important for development of language and unfortunately the State Government has done nothing in all these areas. He said that Kashmiri has a rich inventory of proverbs and its sound system and grammatical structures are complicated as compared to other languages. An initiatve taken by him has resulted in publication of 75 books in children’s literature in Kashmiri published by a Hyderabad based publisher which is a great achievement and is going to attract our children towards their mother tongue.
Professor Ashok Aima Vice chancellor central University Jammu in his address said that he was highly influenced by eminent Kashmiri short story writers Hari Krishen koul and R.L. Shant. He said language is identity of civilization and the present challenges are irrespective of religion and as challenges for all Kashmiri language lovers.
Prof R. L. Shant eminent scholar and writer in his presidential address stressed on preservation of language and said we need to work on mission basis on this.
G R Hasrat Gadda a well known sculputurist also spoke on the occasion and stressed on identifying a common script for Kashmiri while Dr R L Bhat another scholar was of the opinion that Roman script could be an alternative script for Kashmiri so that the beginners can start with.
Kundan Paras secretary Samprati proposed vote of thanks and eminent poet Sunita Raina conducted the proceedings of programme.
This was followed by panel discussions on language, literature and Culture, Issues in Kashmiri Culture. The sessions were chaired by M.L. Kemmu an eminent playright and writer and Dr.R.L. Bhat President of Samprati. Other panelists who spoke were Prof. Rattan Talashi of Kashmir University Srinagar, Tej Rawal former Director AIR, eminent singer Naina Sapru Trisal, Ramesh Hangloo of Radio Sharda, K.K.Lidho programme Executive radio Jammu, playright J.K. Kaul Bezaan, eminent poet and broadcaster B.N. Betab.
A speaking and singing competition for children, readings from fresh literature by eminent prose writers, a Kashmiri Mushiara and a cultural programme are some of the highlights of this programme. The programme was coordinated by Aryan Ramesh a social activist.
The meet will culminate tomorrow with a concluding function to be held at Ganesh Vihar community Hall Muthi.
Trending Now
E-Paper
Follow our WhatsApp channel