JAMMU, APRIL 22: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Thursday remarked that languages are not merely a means of expressing thoughts but they are the guardians of our history, identity and culture.
The Minister stated this while delivering the Keynote address during One-day Seminar on ‘Relation of Urdu with Regional Languages’ at University of Jammu here.
The seminar was organised by the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu in collaboration with the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL).
In her address the Minister said that this seminar is not just a formal event, but a reflection of our identity, as languages are not merely a means of expressing thoughts, they are the guardians of our history, identity, and culture.
“Urdu is a language that has evolved through centuries and has absorbed the influences of various civilizations and cultures. Lukhnow and Delhi are considered the birthplaces of Urdu but Jammu and Kashmir has equally nurtured this unique language”, she stated.
The Minister highlighted that the Urdu’s bond with local languages like Kashmiri, Dogri, Gujri, Pahari, Bhadarwahi, Kishtwari, isn’t just neighbourly, but a deep linguistic relationship.
“Urdu adopted words, idioms and tone from local languages and in return gave them a wider platform. J&K is a land where Urdu not only got official patronage, but Sufis, Rishis, Sanskrit and Persian scholars played a key role in taking it to the masses”, she said.
Sakeena Itoo further said that Urdu acts as a bridge connecting different communities here and helps reach each other’s hearts. “Urdu language is the silken thread that unites our colorful culture”, she said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Sakeena Itoo stated that sustained efforts are being made to promote and preserve regional languages, including Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, and others. She stressed the importance of inclusive policies that encourage multilingual education and safeguard linguistic identities.
She also assured the NCPUL and Urdu Department of Jammu University that the Government is firm in its resolve for promotion of Urdu language as well as regional languages.
The Minister also underscored the need for academic research and community participation in documenting and revitalizing indigenous languages. She called upon scholars, educators, and students to actively engage in initiatives that celebrate linguistic diversity.
On the occasion, the Minister also released an Urdu magazine.
