Rayees Ahmad Kumar
One of the major differences between humans and other animals is that of the language, through which they express, share thoughts and understand others weal and woes. In fact language is the precious blessing from God, humans on the globe have been using since time immemorial.
Languages of the globe have played a crucial and significant role in evolution, development and expansion of the civilizations. In social, economic and political spheres also, languages are of tremendous importance.
Thousands of languages are spoken worldwide, among which some are endemic to a particular region of the globe, while few are spoken internationally. World’s largest international organization, the United Nations too have recognized six languages viz Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian and Spanish as the official languages of the largest body. For effective communication, UN considers multilingualism as a vital factor. However, most of the scholars, educationists and philosophers have laid a strong emphasis on learning and promotion of one’s own mother tongue.
In leading universities of the globe, it has been revealed through meticulous and flawless researches that using one’s mother tongue is linked to the cognitive development of individual. Indian educationists like MK Gandhi and others too suggest teaching children especially at primary level through mother tongue only.
Our legendary literature and state poet Mehjoor has said, ” Bulbulan doup gulas husun chui poôr, Kyah wania zew chai ni sou chui kasoor (oh Nightingale your beauty is unmatched, but your only fault is your inability to speak).
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the use of a child’s mother tongue as the medium of instruction in schools. The policy aims to promote respect for multilingualism and to help children develop a strong sense of identity.
The valley of Kashmir, often referred to as the paradise on earth due to it’s pristine valleys and mesmerizing beauty, is home to a number of languages. Like our country India, which is a multilingual nation, Jammu Kashmir is also an abode of many languages.. However, Kashmiri is the language of the largest group of people dwelling in Kashmir plains, Pir Panchal regions and Chenab Valley. It is our collective identity which we need to conserve and promote at all levels. Different government and non-governmental organizations make consistent efforts to preserve this language and it’s literature which is richest among all literatures of the globe.
Across length and breadth of the state, numerous literary organizations and forums aim to conserve and promote Kashmiri. Adbi Markaz Kamraz, the umbrella organization of two dozens literary forums is continuously making consistent efforts to promote and conserve Kashmiri language. Sagar Cultural Forum is one such vibrant organisation committed to the development and promotion of Kashmiri language, literature and art.
Nazir Ahmad Waza, better known by his pen name Sagar Nazir is the founding member of this forum. Hailing from the Chukker village of Baramulla district, Sagar Nazir’s objective behind giving birth to this forum ever since had been to uplift the standard of Kashmiri besides discovering innovative procedures to conserve it. A distinguished poet, critic and cultural activist, Sagar Nazir has emerged as a prominent figure in valleys literary horizons. Having a keen interest in composing Kashmiri poetry, Sagar’s first poetry collection Thaer Angnech got unveiled in 2014. He has authored many books viz Pehli Mohabbat, Soon Mouj and Panjrich Haer besides children’s literature. For his dedicated efforts to promote Kashmiri language, Sagar Nazir was conferred prestigious Sahitya Academy’s Yuva Puraskaar in 2019. His most notable songs which made him popular include Raje Malun Rupa Talin, Mouj Lajyu Adkalu, Boi Aamai Beiri beiri nadas theij kadas kar jal jal and Loug Sutni Aechin Gash Tala Roye Panun Haw etc sung by legendary vocalists of valley.
Sagar Cultural Forum, the main literary organisation of north Kashmir under the able guidance and supervision of Sagar Nazir is promoting Kashmiri language and literature through myriad paths. It is regularly conducting poetry symposiums and recitation sessions in every nook and corner of the valley besides laying strong emphasis on teaching Kashmiri in all schools from primary to university level. Across the schools of valley, this literary forum is regularly organizing debates and discussions wherein both novice and seasoned poets and litteratuers participate. It inculcates love for Kashmiri language and poetry among our scholars who otherwise feel inferiority complex while speaking in their mother tongue.
Sagar Cultural Forum, besides conducting about 25 literary events in a year, also orchestrate book release functions. From last couple of years, hundreds of poetry and short story collections by eminent writers of valley have been released under the aegis of Sagar Cultural Forum. This literary forum provides a much needed platform to those, anxiously waiting to get their talent and worth recognized at national level. It provides equal opportunities to both talented and inept writers, aiming to minimize the gap between the duo categories in order to get edified. Sagar Nazir’s exemplary and tireless efforts for the promotion of Kashmiri language and culture have been widely hailed and he is receiving accolades for composing soulful melodies and lullabies.
Sagar Cultural Forum, defying all odds during Covid era, switched to online and virtual modes intending to carry on the literary activities. Those who weren’t acquainted with the forum earlier, began to attend the literary activities through virtual mode. Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise for the forum to be recognized across length and breadth of Valley.
Currently when majority of the people feel inadequacies to use mother tongue at home, educational institutions and offices, Sagar cultural Forum’s endeavors for it’s promotion and propagation stand significant. Language and culture being the precious legacy of a community, Sagar cultural Forum’s attempts to preserve the rich heritage of Kashmiri language and literature would be written in golden words.
(The author hails from Qazigund and can be reached at [email protected])
