A 15-year-old student from Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district is gaining attention for his efforts to promote the Kashmiri language through digital content creation.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, Faisal Ayoub Bhat, a Class 10 student from the village of Irote Damjan in Anantnag, launched his dedicated platform “Faisal Speakz” in August 2025 after experimenting with various content formats since 2020. Initially starting with gaming videos, he later explored comedy, vlogs, and other genres across more than 15 channels but found them unfulfilling. His current focus on producing videos entirely in Kashmiri marks a deliberate shift toward cultural preservation.
Faisal views the Kashmiri language as more than a means of communication—it represents core identity. He has stated, “Kasher zabaan che saanie pehchaan,” underscoring the importance of safeguarding and promoting the mother tongue amid limited meaningful digital presence in the language. With few creators producing substantial content in Kashmiri, he aims to address this gap by building an online space that highlights Kashmiri language and culture authentically.
The young creator’s journey reflects broader concerns about the vitality of regional languages in the digital age. Kashmiri, spoken primarily in the Kashmir Valley including districts such as Anantnag, faces challenges from dominant languages in media, education, and online platforms. By choosing Kashmiri for his videos, Faisal seeks to encourage young people in the region to express themselves confidently in their native tongue, maintain connections to their heritage, and take pride in their cultural roots.
His content under “Faisal Speakz” is driven by honesty and passion, with the goal of motivating others to protect and promote Kashmiri for future generations. Faisal hopes his work will inspire Kashmiri youth to create and share in their language, fostering a stronger sense of community and identity online. The initiative comes at a time when digital platforms increasingly influence how languages evolve and survive, particularly among younger audiences who spend significant time consuming content on social media and video-sharing sites.
While specific details on viewership or platform metrics for “Faisal Speakz” remain emerging, the story has drawn local media coverage in Srinagar-based outlets, highlighting the potential of individual efforts to contribute to linguistic preservation. Faisal’s story illustrates how young creators in Jammu and Kashmir are leveraging technology to address cultural needs, blending personal passion with a commitment to heritage in a region rich in linguistic diversity.
The effort aligns with growing recognition of the role digital media can play in sustaining minority and regional languages worldwide. For Faisal, the path forward involves consistent creation that resonates with Kashmiri audiences, encouraging dialogue and pride in what he describes as an essential part of who they are.
Burhan Nazir is a Photo Journalist with The Chenab Times, also writes for Citizen Journalism section.