Two-Day Jammu Language Conference inaugurated at University of Jammu

JAMMU: The two-day “Jammu Language Conference” on the theme “Language, Literature and Jammuiet” was inaugurated today by Jb. Javaid Ahmed Rana, Hon’ble Minister for Jal Shakti and Tribal Affairs, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. 

The inaugural session was presided over by Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu. Padma Shri Lalit Mangotra and Prof. Zaman Azurda were the Guests of Honour. The conference has been organized by the Department of Urdu, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Himalayan Education Mission, Rajouri. 

In his inaugural address, Jb. Javaid Ahmed Rana congratulated the Department of Urdu and the Himalayan Education Mission, Rajouri, for organizing a historic event that brings together 17 languages spoken across the Jammu region under one platform—the first of its kind in the history of Jammu and Kashmir. 

He noted that Jammu is a region of immense cultural and linguistic diversity, whose natural beauty, literature, and art attract admiration from across the country. He further said that “the writers and poets of Jammu have earned recognition not only within the region but across India.” Expressing the Government’s commitment to promote cultural and literary development, he assured continued support for such initiatives that preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of the Jammu Division. 

In his presidential address, Prof. Umesh Rai, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu lauded the Department of Urdu for conceptualizing and organizing a truly unique conference that showcases the linguistic and cultural richness of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized that “culture and literature form the backbone of any progressive society” and called for collective efforts to preserve this legacy. 

Prof. Rai highlighted that Jammu Division is distinct in its linguistic diversity—from Poonch to Kishtwar and Bhaderwah to Kathua, where multiple languages flourish side by side. He noted that Urdu serves as a connecting language, fostering communication and understanding among people from different linguistic backgrounds.

The languages represented at the conference include Bhaderwahi, Siraji, Paddari, Pogli, Gaddi, Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Sanskrit, Hindi, Pahari, English, Gojri, and Punjabi, among others. The Vice Chancellor assured that the University of Jammu will continue to support initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting the cultural identity of the region. 

Earlier, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, Head, Department of Urdu, welcomed the dignitaries and delegates. He expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor for his encouragement and support in organizing the event. Prof. Malik also informed that the papers presented during the conference will be compiled and published in book form, to help the younger generation better understand and appreciate the linguistic and cultural richness of Jammu. 

Prof. Zaman Azurda and Padma Shri Lalit Mangotra also addressed the gathering, reflecting on the importance of regional languages and literature in shaping Jammu’s identity. The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Dr. Abdul Rashid Manhas, Associate Professor, Department of Urdu, while the vote of thanks was presented by Mr. Muslim Wani, Chairman, Himalayan Education Mission, Rajouri. 

In the evening, a “Sham-e-Ghazal” was organized, featuring renowned singers Deepali Watal, Ravi Thakur, Pervaiz Malik, Seema Anil Sehgal, and Prof. Ram Bahadur Shukla, who enthralled the audience with soulful performances in various regional languages of Jammu. The event witnessed an impressive turnout of writers, poets, university faculty, scholars, students, and members of civil society. A total of 34 writers and poets from different parts of Jammu Division participated and presented their papers on the central theme “Language, Literature and Jammuiet.”