Jammu February 21 (KNO) : Stressing on the need to promote and preserve Kashmiri language and literature, CPI (M) leader and MLA Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami demanded that the Kashmiri language be introduced as a compulsory subject upto 12th standard in high and higher secondary schools in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to statement issues Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that Kashmiri language is a symbol of a collective identity of centuries-old Kashmiri culture and civilisation that needs to be promoted and preserved at all levels. There is a dire need for some concrete measures to be taken for promotion and preservation of Kashmiri civilization which can be done by encouraging the Kashmiri language. Highlighting the importance of International Mother Language Day being observed annually on February 21 worldwide, Tarigami stressed for promotion of linguistic and cultural diversity while appealing people to uphold their mother language while learning and using more than one language. “Mother tongue is the cornerstone of the edifice of identity of any nation.
In order to preserve the centuries old Kashmiri civilization, we should protect Kashmiri language and ensure this language is made a compulsory subject to be taught upto 10th standard in schools while keeping this language as one of the streams that can be opted by students upto 12 class in higher secondary schools,” Tarigami advocated. He expressed deep concern over the failure of the successive governments for not fulfilling their commitments made on the floor of the house in this regard.
“I raised this issue on the floor of legislative assembly at several occasions and the successive governments assured that necessary steps will be taken in this regard. Unfortunately those categorical assurances have not been implemented so far, resulting in uncertainty among the scholars, students and other sections of the society who feel deeply concerned about the future of the Kashmiri language,” he observed. Tarigami urged upon the administration to take immediate measures to make Kashmiri a compulsory subject upto 12th classes keeping in view the aspirations of the local community.
“There is a dire need to apply Kashmiri language in our day to day life which will not only make more relevance but encourage children and youngsters to read and write it,” he emphasized.(KNO)