Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav-2024: Central University of Kashmir  VC launches my language, my signature campaign

GANDERBAL: Under the Bhartiya Bhasha Utsav-2024 and to uphold the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat,’ the Department of Students Welfare (DSW), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) in association with other teaching departments organised several events across all the campuses here Wednesday.

 Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, launched the “My Language My Signature Campaign” at varsity’s Green Campus.The event was held to encourage the students to develop a tradition of signing in their mother tongue wherever possible.

Addressing the participants, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said, the primary objective of the initiative is to celebrate the diversity in unity of Indian languages, to encourage the building of deeper connections in the hearts and minds of youth and promote multilingualism as envisaged in the NEP-2020.

Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean School of Business Studies, Prof. Fayaz Ahmad Nikka, Registrar, Prof. M Afzal Zargar, Dean DSW, Dr. Irfan Alam, faculty members, research scholars and students also participated in the campaign.  

Meanwhile, the departments of Urdu and Kashmir, DSW in association with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samvardhan Samiti-II (Kashmiri) organised a lecture on “Expression and Communication: Problems and Possibilities,” at varsity’s Arts Campus. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Shafi Shauq, former Head Deptt of Kashmiri and Dean Arts and Languages, University of Kashmir.  

In his address, Prof. Shafi Shauq said, “expression and communication are fundamental to human interaction, shaping relationships, societies, and cultures.” “However, they are often fraught with challenges. Misinterpretation, language barriers, and emotional restraint can hinder effective communication. For instance, cultural differences might affect the interpretation of gestures, tones, or expressions, leading to misunderstandings,” he added.

The aforementioned departments in collaboration with the School of Education, organised a lecture on “Importance of Local Language,” by eminent poet, writer and educationist, Mr. Zareef Ahmad Zareef.

Addressing the participants, Mr. Zareef Ahmad Zareef said, the local languages are the cultural identity, reflecting the history, traditions, and values of a community. “They serve as a bridge connecting generations, preserving folklore, customs, and heritage. The importance of local languages lies not only in their ability to foster cultural pride but also in their role as a tool for effective communication within communities,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, DAA, Prof. Shahid Rasool, talked about the importance of Kashmiri language as the source of identity. He further said that in order to develop scientific temper among the local populace, the university has been publishing Gaash and Tajjasus in Kashmiri and Urdu languages respectively. Dean School of Education, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani also highlighted the significance of the native languages.  

The departments of Urdu and Kashmir, DSW in association with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samvardhan Samiti-II (Kashmiri) also organised a lecture on “Job Opportunities in Urdu,” wherein Prof. Aftab Ahmad Afaqui, Professor and Head, Department of Urdu, Banaras Hindu University delivered a lecture.

Addressing the participants Prof. Aftab Ahmad Afaqui said, “Urdu, is a rich and expressive language that offers diverse career opportunities. Proficiency in Urdu can lead to roles in teaching, translation, and journalism. With the rise of digital media, Urdu content creators, bloggers, and scriptwriters are in high demand. Publishing houses seek Urdu authors and editors for books, magazines, and newspapers. “Learning Urdu opens doors to preserving cultural heritage while exploring modern career avenues in language and literature.”