JAMMU, JAN 15: Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today inaugurated the two-day Gojri Literary and Cultural Conference at K L Saigal Hall in Jammu. The event, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL), celebrated the rich heritage of the Gojri language and culture.
Among the attendees were Secretary of JKAACL Harvinder Kaur, Chairperson of Gurjar Desk Charitable Trust Arshid Ali Choudhary, Chief Editor of JKAACL Dr. Javid Rahi, Dr. Nikhat Choudhary, and numerous writers and artists.
Rana highlighted the importance of Gojri as a vital language of Jammu and Kashmir, stressing the need for cultural and literary programmes to support the revival and promotion of regional languages. “Such programmes help preserve the unique cultural heritage of the Gujjar and Bakerwal communities and breathe new life into the Gojri language,” he remarked.
He commended JKAACL for its efforts in showcasing this cultural wealth but emphasized the collective responsibility of society in preserving and propagating native languages. “It is crucial that we as a society work together to preserve our mother tongues, as they are key to understanding the rich folklore, traditions, and history of our region,” Rana added.
Rana also acknowledged the tireless work of writers and artists dedicated to promoting Gojri, and underscored the importance of documenting traditional folk culture. “Many people are ashamed of speaking their mother tongue, which is unfortunate. Our local languages are vital to understanding the essence of our history and culture,” he said.
The Minister further expressed that under the leadership of Omar Abdullah, the government would continue to support all languages, ensuring their growth as tools for national development. He also called for collaboration between the Tribal Research Institute of J&K and JKAACL to further promote tribal languages and cultures.
On the sidelines of the conference, Rana inaugurated a Gojri book exhibition, showcasing numerous publications by JKAACL.
Secretary of JKAACL, Harvinder Kaur, spoke about the Academy’s systematic efforts to develop regional languages, particularly Gojri, through preservation and promotional initiatives.
Dr. Javid Rahi, in his welcome address, outlined the objectives of the conference, emphasizing that it provided a platform for Gojri writers to discuss tribal language and cultural issues. He also shared that the Gojri wing of JKAACL, established in 1978, has published nearly 1,000 books on various subjects.
Arshid Ali Choudhary, Chairman of the Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust, hailed the conference as a significant milestone in the history of the Gojri language.
The inaugural session was followed by a paper-reading session chaired by noted broadcaster Hassan Parwaz and journalist Altaf Janjua. Presentations during the session, including topics on the Gotra system among Gujjars of Rajouri, the pastures of the Bakerwals, and Gujjar habitation in Jammu district, were delivered by Dr. Nikhat Choudhary, Shazia Chowdhary, Tariq Fahim, and Tariq Ibrar.
The event concluded with a vibrant cultural program featuring performances by prominent Gojri artists such as Bashir Mastana, Shadia Chowdhary, Asiya Poswal, Naseem Akhter, and Muzamil Shah, celebrating the rich musical heritage of the community.
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