Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, inaugurated two-day Jammu Language Conference, ‘Jammuiet aur Zaban-o-Adab’ at University of Jammu here today.
The event is being organized by the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Himalayan Education Mission, Rajouri. Addressing the gathering, the Minister commended the Department of Urdu for undertaking the challenging task of organizing a seminar that brings together scholars and enthusiasts of multiple languages.
He emphasized that such academic initiatives play crucial role in strengthening the region’s cultural and linguistic heritage. He lauded the efforts of department in uniting experts from diverse linguistic backgrounds and highlighted that platforms like this are essential for enrichment of literary pursuits.
Stressing the importance of institutional support, the Minister advocated for establishment of Research Centre for all regional languages at the University, aimed at promoting study, documentation and preservation of the region’s linguistic diversity.
“The proposed Centre should spearhead research in language development, analysis and usage across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said, underlining the need for systematic approach to linguistic scholarship. Highlighting Urdu’s role as a linguistic bridge across regions, Rana praised the writers and poets of Jammu for capturing the life, culture and natural beauty of the region through their literary works.
He emphasized that every language requires dedicated cultural and literary initiatives for its propagation and revival, particularly in a region as linguistically diverse as Jammu and Kashmir. Acknowledging the plurality of languages in Jammu, he noted that the region is home to Bhaderwahi, Gojri, Kishtawari, Pahari, Pogli, Siraji, Gaddi, Kashmiri, Dogri and other dialects, each carrying unique cultural significance.
He added that writers from Jammu have historically played a vital role in documenting local lifestyles, traditions, and natural landscapes. The Minister also called upon civil society to actively participate in the preservation and promotion of native languages, stressing that community involvement is essential for safeguarding the region’s rich linguistic heritage.
Rana also praised the Department of Urdu for successfully initiating a conference on a subject that has received limited attention in the literary history of Jammu and Kashmir and extended his best wishes for the success of the event.