JAMMU — The Kashmiri Language Union (KLU) has expressed its heartfelt gratitude to Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, for his steadfast support in promoting the Kashmiri and Dogri languages in the region’s educational curriculum. The Union extended their thanks following a series of positive meetings where the Lieutenant Governor assured that both languages will be included as subjects from classes 1 to 10 in schools within Kashmiri and Dogri-speaking areas. The Union also welcomed the government’s commitment to extending this initiative to higher secondary schools.
The decision to implement Kashmiri and Dogri as part of the official school curriculum is seen as a significant step towards preserving the region’s rich cultural and linguistic heritage. By integrating these languages into the educational system, the government is not only safeguarding linguistic diversity but also promoting a deeper sense of cultural pride among students.
A delegation from the Kashmiri Language Union, including members Parvaiz Barkat, Dr. Ashu Sharma, Sahil Badhyal, Anzar Ali Zargar, and Ashak Hussain Lone, met with the Lieutenant Governor to discuss the inclusion of these languages in the school curriculum. During the meeting, the Union leaders highlighted the importance of language education in strengthening the cultural identity of the youth and fostering a sense of unity in Jammu and Kashmir.
“We deeply appreciate the Lieutenant Governor’s commitment to this cause. The integration of Kashmiri and Dogri into the school curriculum is a progressive move that will not only preserve these regional languages but also ensure that our future generations remain connected to their roots,” the Union said in a press release. “This step will instill pride in students, giving them a sense of belonging to their culture and heritage.”
The KLU also acknowledged the government’s efforts in recruiting qualified teachers to teach these languages. This initiative, they believe, will help address the shortage of trained language teachers and improve the quality of education in regional languages. The Union expressed hope that similar initiatives will be rolled out in higher secondary schools to ensure continuity of language education.
In addition, the Kashmiri Language Union highlighted the importance of including these languages in areas with significant Kashmiri-speaking populations, such as the Chenab Valley— a term that refers to the erstwhile Doda district and the present-day Doda, Kishtwar, and Ramban districts. According to the Census 2011, over 46% of the population in these regions speaks Kashmiri, underlining the need for educational provisions that cater to the linguistic diversity of these areas.
The Union’s gratitude extends to the ongoing efforts by the administration to implement the inclusion of Kashmiri and Dogri in educational institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. The positive response from the Lieutenant Governor, coupled with his assurance to support these regional languages, has raised hopes for the successful integration of these subjects into the formal education system.
Earlier, the KLU had also met with the Education Minister, Miss Sakeena Itoo, and other key stakeholders to discuss the inclusion of Kashmiri in schools, further reinforcing the importance of regional language education in the area. The Union remains optimistic that such measures will go a long way in preserving Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural legacy and fostering a multilingual and inclusive educational environment for the youth.
The Kashmiri Language Union has expressed its eagerness to see the successful implementation of these commitments and believes that this initiative will positively impact the educational system and cultural preservation in Jammu and Kashmir.
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