Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, July 6: Some intellectuals and social activists from Poonch area today accused the Government of systematic linguistic discrimination amid growing concern for the future of regional languages.
Talking to media persons here today, they insisted that the Government must openly acknowledge that Pahari, Punjabi and Gojri languages in the State. They said the Govt must pay attention to the demand of inclusion of these languages in the school curriculum.
Noted intellectuals MA Qamar and KK Kapoor said, ” It is historic day for the languages of Pahari, Punjabi and Gojri. We must fight together to reclaim our legitimate rights,” they added.
“If the attitude of the Government remained same, our languages will soon find their place in endangered languages lists”, said Pardeep Khanna who appealed government and local Legislators to take steps to protect and promote Pir Panjal’s languages on the basis of which they ascended to power.
S. Narinder Singh, president DGPC Poonch described as a cultural genocide, the removing and now eradicating of Punjabi language from public life.
Ch Muhammad Asad Noomani, a socialist activist said protecting diversity of languages is a commitment not only of Indian constitution but of the international community in the form of 2001 Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, which calls on members to safeguard linguistic heritage and promote multi-lingualism.
“Regional languages are being systematically repelled from entering schools and other key institutions,” Sarfraz Mir said.
Pertinently, strong reaction is being expressed by different socio-cultural organizations against non-inclusion of Gojri, Pahari and Punjabi in school curriculum by the State Government. Kashmiri, Dogri and Bodhi were the only three languages included in the curriculum of 9th and 10th classes.
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