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The Chenab region of Jammu and Kashmir has long been home to a unique linguistic diversity that often goes unrecognized. In an effort to shed light on this linguistic tapestry, The Chenab Times, under the leadership of its founder and editor-in-chief, Anzer Ayoob, initiated the Multilingual News Initiative (MNI) in January 2021. This pioneering project endeavors to broadcast news in lesser-known languages, notably the “Chenabich Kashir” dialect, which has been historically marginalized and overlooked.
The “Chenabich Kashir” dialect, often referred to as “Pahari Kashmiri” by some activists due to its association with the hilly terrain of the Chenab region, has faced a lack of recognition and proper documentation. Despite the linguistic variations in Kashmiri spoken throughout the region, the term “Pahari Kashmiri” was employed to distinguish the dialect in the context of campaigns and discussions. While the name “Pahari Kashmiri” may not be universally accepted, the primary objective of the MNI is to raise awareness and recognition of this dialect, rather than engaging in debates over nomenclature. As an alternative, the initiative has adopted the name “Chenabich Kashir,” which translates to “Kashmiri language spoken in the Chenab region.” “Chenabich” denotes a connection to the Chenab, while “Kashir” refers to the Kashmiri language. Notably, in the Kashmir valley accent, Kashmiri is articulated as “Koshur,” whereas in the Chenab region, the pronunciation shifts to “Kashir.”
An integral component of the Multilingual News Initiative is the daily news bulletin, which is broadcasted by The Chenab Times in the “Chenabich Kashir” dialect. Anzer Ayoob, the driving force behind this initiative, appears on camera to deliver news updates and report on current events, all in the dialect native to the Chenab region. The daily news bulletin serves as a platform for preserving and promoting this unique linguistic heritage, while also keeping the local population informed about important developments.
The MNI aspires to encompass all languages spoken in the Chenab region, ensuring that no linguistic group is left unrepresented. It is a volunteer-driven effort to bridge the linguistic divide and offer a sense of identity and recognition to the speakers of these lesser-known dialects. By providing news in their native languages, The Chenab Times aims to empower communities and encourage cultural preservation.
The Chenab Times News Desk