SRINAGAR: The IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar hosted the Bhartiya Basha Utsav on Monday with great enthusiasm, celebrating the linguistic diversity of India and promoting the preservation of its rich cultural heritage. The event, dedicated to fostering linguistic harmony and celebrating the multitude of languages spoken across the nation, marked the birth anniversary of renowned Tamil poet, writer, and freedom fighter, Shri Subramania Bharati, popularly known as Mahakavi Bharathi.
The program was attended by students, staff members, and distinguished dignitaries, who engaged in presentations, discussions, and cultural activities aimed at showcasing the significance of linguistic diversity. The event’s objectives included raising awareness about India’s linguistic wealth, fostering unity among people of diverse linguistic backgrounds, promoting the idea of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat,” and encouraging the preservation of regional languages such as Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi, Dogri, Punjabi, and others.
The event began with an inaugural session led by Regional Director Dr. A.H. Rizvi, who highlighted the importance of language in shaping culture, identity, and national unity. Eminent guests from institutions like the University of Kashmir, Central University of Kashmir, and various government colleges participated in the event. Their presentations focused on the role of educational institutions in preserving languages in the digital age and promoting linguistic diversity.
The chief guest, Prof. Chinnappan Baskar from Tamil Nadu and Central University of Kashmir, delivered an inspiring address on India’s multicultural harmony. He recited poems in Tamil, emphasizing the richness of regional languages in uniting communities. Other dignitaries, including Dr. Harpal Singh, Dr. Younus Ahmad, Ms. Ravinder Kour, Mr. Tasleem, and Mr. Gulshan Badri, shared their insights and recited poetry in various regional languages, including Kashmiri, Urdu, and Punjabi.
The event also featured engaging performances, cultural exchanges, and discussions on preserving linguistic traditions in the digital era. Attendees reflected on the importance of regional languages as a pillar of national integration and a gateway to understanding diverse cultures.
Through its vibrant celebrations, the Bhartiya Basha Utsav underscored the importance of fostering linguistic unity while embracing India’s cultural diversity. The event concluded with a reiteration of the role of languages in strengthening national integrity and a collective call to preserve and promote India’s linguistic heritage.