SRINAGAR, Dec 23 – In the serene village of Dardpora Khaitangan in Baramulla, a young activist named Asif Iqbal Bhat is waging a cultural battle to preserve the Kashmiri language, a cornerstone of regional identity. Known on social media as “Keashur Parun,” Bhat has garnered nearly a lakh followers and millions of views, using his platform to combat the diminishing use of his mother tongue, according to an interview with the Kashmir Bulletin.
The Kashmiri language, once a vibrant thread in the cultural fabric of the region, now faces the threat of extinction due to modernization, urbanization, and the dominance of other languages. “We often forget that our mother tongue is not just a means of communication; it’s our identity, our history, and our culture,” Bhat told the Kashmir Bulletin, underscoring the cultural loss that could follow if Kashmiri continues to be sidelined.
Bhat’s campaign is deeply rooted in the legacy of Kashmiri literary and spiritual giants such as Sheikh-ul-Alam, Hazrat Shams Faqeer, and Lal Ded, whose works have profoundly shaped the language. “I am emotionally moved by their words reminding of the fact that Kashmiri is not a language. It is a way of life,” he shared with the news agency, highlighting his personal connection to the language’s heritage.
Through his Instagram account, Bhat actively engages his audience by posting Kashmiri riddles, proverbs, and historical insights, aiming to reignite interest and pride in the language among younger generations. His digital activism is part of a broader effort to keep the language alive in an era where global languages like English and Hindi gain precedence.
Education as a Catalyst for Language Preservation
While Rajasthan sets a precedent by implementing local language education in its preschools, Jammu and Kashmir lags behind. Rajasthan’s initiative, led by the State Council of Educational Research and Training, plans to teach in local dialects from the next academic session in nine districts, expanding to 25 by 2026, as per Education Minister Madan Dilawar. This move is seen as a step towards respecting and preserving cultural identities through education.
In stark contrast, the linguistic heritage in Jammu and Kashmir, including languages like Kashmiri, faces educational neglect. The Chenab Times Foundation has voiced concerns over this disparity, urging the local government to adopt similar educational policies. Anzer Ayoob, President of the Foundation, emphasized, “While Rajasthan moves forward with integrating local dialects into education, the cultural and linguistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly languages like Kashmiri, are at risk. We call on the J&K government to follow suit and ensure that our languages do not fade away.”
The Kashmiri Language Union has also been proactive, pushing for the inclusion of Kashmiri in schools across the Chenab Valley. Their memorandum to the Education Minister highlighted the constitutional rights under Article 350A and suggested measures like hiring qualified Kashmiri language teachers and making the language compulsory in higher grades. However, the progress in Jammu and Kashmir remains slow, highlighting a significant educational and cultural gap compared to other states.
The urgency to act is now more apparent than ever. Asif Iqbal Bhat’s digital endeavors to revive Kashmiri are commendable, but Govt. must be complemented by systemic educational reforms to truly safeguard the region’s linguistic heritage. The contrast between Rajasthan’s proactive approach and the current state in Jammu and Kashmir illustrates a pressing need for policy changes that not only acknowledge but actively promote the languages indigenous to the area. Without such commitments, the cultural richness of Kashmiri and other local languages might continue to wane, diminishing the unique identity of the region.
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