Languages guardians of our history, identity, culture: Sakeena Itoo

Jammu, Apr 23: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Thursday remarked that languages are not merely a means of expressing thoughts but they are the guardians of our history, identity and culture.
The Minister stated this while delivering the Keynote address during One-day Seminar on ‘Relation of Urdu with Regional Languages’ at University of Jammu here.
The seminar was organised by Department of Urdu, University of Jammu in collaboration with National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL).
In her address the Minister said that this seminar is not just a formal event, but a reflection of our identity, as languages are not merely a means of expressing thoughts, they are the guardians of our history, identity, and culture.
“Urdu is a language that has evolved through centuries and has absorbed the influences of various civilizations and cultures. Lukhnow and Delhi are considered the birthplaces of Urdu but Jammu and Kashmir has equally nurtured this unique language”, she stated.
The Minister highlighted that the Urdu’s bond with local languages like Kashmiri, Dogri, Gujri, Pahari, Bhadarwahi, Kishtwari, isn’t just neighbourly, but a deep linguistic relationship.
“Urdu adopted words, idioms and tone from local languages and in return gave them a wider platform. J&K is a land where Urdu not only got official patronage, but Sufis, Rishis, Sanskrit and Persian scholars played a key role in taking it to the masses”, she said.
Sakeena Itoo further said that Urdu acts as a bridge connecting different communities here and helps reach each other’s hearts. “Urdu language is the silken thread that unites our colorful culture”, she said.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, Sakeena Itoo stated that sustained efforts are being made to promote and preserve regional languages, including Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, and others. She stressed the importance of inclusive policies that encourage multilingual education and safeguard linguistic identities.
She also assured the NCPUL and Urdu Department of Jammu University that Government is firm in its resolve for promotion of Urdu language as well as regional languages.
The Minister also underscored the need for academic research and community participation in documenting and revitalizing indigenous languages. She called upon scholars, educators, and students to actively engage in initiatives that celebrate linguistic diversity.
On the occasion, the Minister also released a Urdu magazine.
Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Jammu University, Prof. Umesh Rai said that Urdu is a diverse language and is spoken in several parts of the country. He added that languages are a powerful tool to bind communities.
Prof. Rai highlighted that languages are connecting different cultures and traditions, and we need to promote languages for National integration.
Speaking on the occasion, Director NCPUL, Dr. Shams Equbal said that J&K is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes and valleys, but also for its culture and traditions. He highlighted that the strong bond of different languages is evident in Jammu and Kashmir with varied number of languages spoken in its different parts.
He also highlighted that NEP-2020 has also outlined the importance of regional languages.
Speaking on the significance of this seminar, Dr. Shams said that this seminar is a good platform to deliberate on impact of Urdu on Regional Languages.
In his welcome address, HoD, Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik lauded the Education Minister, Sakeena Itoo for bringing new dimensions and upgradation in Higher Education sector. He underlined that the Education Minister has realised the dream of Sher-i-Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah by playing a major role in the introduction and passage of Private University Bill in recently concluded Budget Session of J&K Legislative Assembly.
He also spoke in length about the basic contours of this one day seminar. He also spoke about the importance of Urdu language and its connection with the cultural roots of our country, highlighting that Urdu is binding the Indian Civilization and culture together.
Noted writers and poet, Prof. Quddos Javed and Dr. Khalid Hussain also spoke on the occasion and spoke about the multilingual, multicultural and multi-religious aspects of our Country.