As global influences and social perceptions threaten to silence Kashmiri’s rich linguistic heritage, it is imperative for families and educational institutions to prioritise and promote the mother tongue to ensure that Kashmir’s cultural identity endures for generations to come
Basit Rasool Thokero
Language is arguably the most fundamental medium through which the human spirit connects with the social sphere. It’s the incredibly sophisticated vehicle we use to convey our intricate ideas, the subtle shades of our emotions, and the complex architecture of our thoughts. More than just a simple tool, language is a potent means of self-expression and asserting our identity.
In a country as vast and linguistically rich as India, the Kashmiri language—known endogenously as Koshur—is deeply woven into the very fabric of the people’s identity in the Kashmir Valley. For them, it is far more than a simple collection of sounds; it is a core attribute of their being. Historically, it was the principal tongue spoken across the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir. Even by the 2011 Census, it boasted approximately 6.8 million speakers, cementing its status as one of the nation’s major languages, a status officially recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. Crucially, its script is visibly etched on the nation’s currency notes, underscoring its long-standing importance.
The Subtle Erosion Of A Priceless Inheritance
Yet, with the relentless, pervasive reach of the digital age and the increasing cultural sway of global and national languages, Koshur is currently facing a profound, slow-motion crisis: a subtle yet significant erosion within Kashmiri society.
This language isn’t merely a utility for communication; it is a priceless inheritance. Our ancestors consciously favoured their regional tongue over the then-prevailing lingua franca of Urdu or English, speaking Kashmiri with a beautiful purity of emotion. This gives the language an inherent supremacy, where certain profound expressions resist any complete or equivalent translation into other languages. Kashmiri is a magnificent repository of beautiful words, evocative phrases, and pithy proverbs—expressions born from deep sentiment that resonate profoundly, quite literally touching the heart when spoken with genuine emotion.
Sheikh Ul Alam: The Architect Of Kashmiri Language’s Zenith
Central to the glorification and preservation of the Kashmiri language is the revered Sufi saint, Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani (RA), famously known as Sheikh ul Alam. He is arguably the most important patron of the language, whose mystical poetry elevated Kashmiri to its zenith. The Sheikh’s deliberate choice to use the vernacular Koshur as the medium for his teachings, even when Persian was the language of the court, was an act of profound linguistic and cultural conservation. His most notable works, expressed through poetic couplets known as Shruks, stand as a powerful testament to the language in its purest form.
By using the regional language to convey universal spiritual truths, the Sheikh ensured his message was accessible to the common person, thereby empowering Kashmiris to hold their own against foreign tongues in the cultural landscape. His work is a powerful testament to the fact that true wisdom speaks loudest in the mother tongue.
The Stigma And The Illusion Of Inferiority
The threat to the Kashmiri language isn’t an external aggressor, but an internal apathy fuelled by a misguided sense of social aspiration. This behavioural shift, where Kashmiris increasingly default to Urdu and English, begins at the most critical level: the home. Parents, influenced by a flawed perception of upward mobility, often prioritise teaching their children English or Urdu over the regional language. The prevailing, and ultimately false, rationale is that English or Urdu offers a higher social value, a notion that is, tragically, nothing more than a dangerous illusion.
This shift has led to the attachment of a deeply regrettable social stigma to the Kashmiri language. Those who communicate in Koshur are subtly, and sometimes overtly, deemed inferior or less sophisticated. This tragic change in mindset demonstrates a collective failing. We are all responsible for this mess, chasing an identity that isn’t truly ours and neglecting the one that defines us.
The most visible negligence is found in our educational institutions. Kashmiri is frequently excluded from being the primary vehicle for learning in private schools, and disturbingly, this practice is creeping into government schools as well. These institutions, by totally sidelining the Kashmiri language, become the primary source of its erosion. The data is sobering: a recent report indicated that a mere 20% of students in private schools are able to speak Kashmiri fluently at home with their elders. The painful irony is that the parents themselves often “cherish these moments and feel proud” of this superficial social gain, failing to recognise the profound cultural price being paid.
The Imperative For Rejuvenation: Speak Kashmiri Now
The stark reality is that the time is fast approaching when the Kashmiri language may be designated as an extinct language, a moment that will only inspire widespread regret amongst those who stood idly by. This language is the very core of Kashmiri identification; it is an irreplaceable ancestral legacy.
The preservation of this cultural wealth is not a matter of mere nostalgia; it is a critical necessity. The need of the hour is a conscious, resolute choice to prioritise Kashmiri over Urdu or English, in both formal and informal conversations.
The primary responsibility rests firmly with parents, who must proactively undertake the solemn task of teaching their children this beautiful language.
The utmost duty, however, falls upon the institutions (schools) to revolutionise their approach. Kashmiri must be embraced as a primary means of instruction and learning, rather than being treated as a relic. Teachers must be encouraged to promote the Kashmiri language, and students must be taught to shed any sense of shame or embarrassment associated with speaking their mother tongue.
This call is not a purist rejection of other languages; English and Urdu are crucial for global and national connectivity. However, the preference, the priority, and the foundational medium of cultural expression must be accorded to the Kashmiri language. It is the only way to safeguard the integrity of Kashmiri identity and its rich cultural heritage.
Let the words of Sheikh ul Alam (RA) echo through the valleys once more, reminding every citizen that their language is their strength and their soul’s utterance.
Let’s save Kashmir; let’s speak Kashmiri.
The writer is a student of BA LLB (7th semester) at the University of Kashmir
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