Education Minister Highlights Urdu’s Deep Link with Regional Languages, Calls for Preservation of Linguistic Diversity
Jammu, Apr 23: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo said that languages are not merely a means of expression but serve as guardians of history, identity and culture.
The Minister made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at a one-day seminar on “Relation of Urdu with Regional Languages” held at the University of Jammu on Wednesday as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC.
The seminar was organised by the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL).
In her address, the Minister said that the seminar reflects the collective identity of society, emphasizing that languages preserve cultural heritage and traditions.
“Urdu is a language that has evolved through centuries and has absorbed influences of various civilizations and cultures. Lucknow and Delhi are considered its birthplaces, but Jammu and Kashmir has equally nurtured this unique language,” she said.
She highlighted that Urdu shares a deep linguistic relationship with regional languages such as Kashmiri, Dogri, Gujri, Pahari, Bhadarwahi and Kishtwari.
“Urdu has borrowed words, idioms and tones from local languages and, in return, provided them a wider platform. Jammu and Kashmir is a land where Urdu received official patronage, while Sufis, Rishis, Sanskrit and Persian scholars played a key role in taking it to the masses,” she added.
Sakeena Itoo further said that Urdu acts as a bridge connecting communities and fostering mutual understanding.
“Urdu is the silken thread that unites our diverse and colourful culture,” she remarked.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the Minister said sustained efforts are being made to promote and preserve regional languages, including Kashmiri, Dogri, Gojri and Pahari.
She stressed the importance of inclusive policies to encourage multilingual education and safeguard linguistic identities, while assuring full support to NCPUL and the Urdu Department of Jammu University.
The Minister also underscored the need for academic research and community participation in documenting and revitalising indigenous languages, urging scholars, educators and students to actively promote linguistic diversity.
On the occasion, she also released an Urdu magazine.
Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, in his address, said Urdu is widely spoken across the country and serves as a powerful tool for connecting communities.
He noted that languages play a vital role in linking cultures and traditions and should be promoted for national integration.
Director NCPUL, Dr. Shams Equbal, said that Jammu and Kashmir is known not only for its scenic beauty but also for its rich cultural and linguistic diversity.
He added that the strong bond among various languages in the region reflects its unique heritage and highlighted the emphasis laid on regional languages under the National Education Policy (NEP-2020).
Speaking on the significance of the seminar, he termed it an important platform to deliberate on the impact of Urdu on regional languages.
In his welcome address, Head of the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, appreciated the role of the Education Minister in strengthening the higher education sector.
He said that key reforms, including the introduction of the Private University Bill, have added new dimensions to the sector, while also elaborating on the objectives of the seminar and the importance of Urdu in preserving cultural roots.
Noted writer and poet Prof. Quddos Javed and Dr. Khalid Hussain also spoke on the occasion, highlighting the multilingual, multicultural and multi-religious fabric of the country. (KNC)
