Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 11: The two-day “Jammu Language Conference” on the theme “Language, Literature and Jammuiet” was inaugurated by Javed Ahmed Rana, Minister for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs, at Jammu University, here today.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu. Padma Shri Lalit Mangotra and Prof Zaman Azurda were the guests of honour. The conference has been organized by the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Himalayan Education Mission, Rajouri.
In his inaugural address, Javaid Ahmed Rana noted that Jammu is a region of immense cultural and linguistic diversity, whose natural beauty, literature, and art attract admiration from across the country. He further said that the writers and poets of Jammu have earned recognition not only within the region but across India.
Expressing the Government’s commitment to promote cultural and literary development, he assured continued support for such initiatives that preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the Jammu Division.
In his presidential address, Prof Umesh Rai emphasized that culture and literature form the backbone of any progressive society and called for collective efforts to preserve this legacy. He highlighted that Jammu Division is distinct in its linguistic diversity-from Poonch to Kishtwar and Bhaderwah to Kathua, where multiple languages flourish side by side.
The Vice Chancellor assured that the University of Jammu will continue to support initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the region.
The languages represented at the conference include Bhaderwahi, Siraji, Paddari, Pogli, Gaddi, Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Sanskrit, Hindi, Pahari, English, Gojri, and Punjabi, among others.
Earlier, Prof Shohab Inayat Malik, Head, Department of Urdu, informed that the papers presented during the conference will be compiled and published in book form, to help the younger generation better understand and appreciate the linguistic and cultural richness of Jammu.
Prof Zaman Azurda and Padma Shri Lalit Mangotra also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the importance of regional languages and literature in shaping Jammu’s identity.
The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Dr Abdul Rashid Manhas, Associate Professor, Department of Urdu, while the vote of thanks was presented by Muslim Wani, Chairman, Himalayan Education Mission, Rajouri.
In the evening, a “Sham-e-Ghazal” was organized, featuring renowned singers Deepali Watal, Ravi Thakur, Pervaiz Malik, Seema Anil Sehgal, and Prof Ram Bahadur Shukla.
A total of 34 writers and poets from different parts of Jammu Division participated and presented their papers.
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