Language is one of the prime distinguished characteristic features associated with a nation. Anything can neither glorify nor beautify a culture, region more than Language. Moreover it keeps a community stuck to each other. Love and attachment becomes a strengthened fabric because of language.
Likewise our Kashmiri nation has predominantly got Kashmiri language in our inheritance. Though beauty of Kashmir absolutely lies in diversity of communities but our own language have become foremost and easiest casualty. Kashmir has got a heaven in its inheritance, culture and tradition to which every Kashmiri proudly lays claim. But our language has become an endangered species, as they say in ecology. Is it end of the soul of our culture? Youngsters of today have decided to speak adopted languages like Urdu and English. A segment of our society also patronizes alien languages which is an absolute shame.
We need not boycott our own language. Every time you speak in Kashmiri; listener will see a brother or sister speaking. If you talk to man in his own native language he understands, and it also appeals down to his heart. And that is what ones mother tongue is meant for.
Politicians, rules of law, sectarian custodians have already successfully created a divide among us. It is our own mother tongue that binds us together.
It will be a moment of pride for Kashmir if its sons and daughters excel in other languages too. The point is not to boycott other languages but to also carry forward the culture have given us. Other languages give us an insight into other cultures. And this is such a rich experience. Nationalism does not mean end of individualism and studying new culture does not mean forgetting your own.
Language being the soul of culture cant be nourished by mere hollow talk unless you take some practical steps. And unfortunately none among us are ready to come to the rescue of our language. Alhamdulillah, there is nothing seriously wrong with our language. Then why it has become so un-popular? There is no easy answer to this question. If Bengali language is taken into consideration, Bengali people wont talk to you in Hindi or Urdu even if they can. Such is their love for their tradition. Their love and culture have been nourished by their commitment. Their fellow artists have kept their language afloat by adapting to modernity. Look at Bengali cinema and songs. Our present day vocalists, composers still compose the lyrics written in last century by Rasool Mir. Though Mir is a great poet, we should have something to show for our present.
Our music industry must keep our youth as their target listener. Let our composers compose anything that could make us love our language. Besides Kashmiri language must be made compulsory up to senior secondary level. Drama clubs and festivals must be organized to give our mother tongue a boost in the long run.
Imbisat Makhdoomi
Doru, Anantnag
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