Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology, Choudhary Lal Singh on Sunday said that promoting regional dialects brings an essential element of unity and diversity to the unique culture of Jammu and Kashmir.“Do not shy to speak local languages as these not only symbolize our origin and identity but distinguish us from rest of the world in our own unique way” , the Minister maintained while emphasizing the need of encouraging the young generation towards adopting their regional dialects.This was stated by the Minister while speaking at a function organized here today to felicitate Dr Rafiq Masoodi, a noted broadcaster and writer by Nami Dogri Sanastha, Jammu.Lal Singh said Jammu and Kashmir has a huge repository of poets, writers and intellectuals who originated from a rich civilization representing common ideologies of love, compassion and brotherhood. He hailed the contribution of Dr Rafiq Masoodi and other writers and poets in keeping alive different local and regional languages of the State.The Minister said that such events are instrumental in preservation of our cultural heritage. He expressed deep appreciation for the work done by the authors and laid emphasis on undertaking such initiatives in the native languages.
"Works of great authors should be highlighted and promoted as this is the most effective medium of communication to tell the people about the rich ethnic diversity of our State,” Singh said.The Minister appreciated the Nami Dogri Sanastha for its efforts in promotion of Dogri language and culture and expressed hope that the organization will continue its endeavors in this regard with same spirit and devotion.Speaking on the occasion, veteran broadcaster and noted poet, Farooq Nazki said that local languages play a vital role in shaping up the fate of any civilization. He hailed the role of Maharaja Hari Singh in introducing first ever Broadcasting Agency in Jammu Kashmir when other parts of India were still exploring it. He said that Jammu has been a hub of cultural activities and after Lahore and Hyderabad, Jammu was the breeding place for Urdu language.The function was attended by Station Director Radio Kashmir Jammu, Anjali Sharma, Mohan Singh, Vice-President NDS, Hasrat Gadda, famed writer besides other writers, journalists and intellectuals.The speakers on the occasion appreciated the work done by the Dogri Sanstha in encouraging the talent of sons of the soil.