Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti (File photo)
Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Mehbooba Mufti emphasised the importance of preserving regional languages, urging Kashmiris to uphold their mother tongues within their households.
Addressing an event at Gurjar Desh Charitable Trust in Jammu, Mufti asserted that one's language remains an integral part of their identity, asserting, "Your homes, your water can be snatched away from you, even your land can be taken away, but nobody can take away your language from you unless you forget that yourself."
Advocating for the preservation of Kashmiri, Dogri, and Gujari languages, Mufti expressed concern over the declining usage of regional languages within homes. She highlighted that the present generation is gradually shifting towards English in their interactions with their children, urging parents to revert to conversing in their native languages to ensure their preservation.
"We should speak our languages in our homes. We have stopped speaking our languages, be it Kashmiri, Dogri, or Gujari. Now, when a child is born, parents use words, 'come here', 'go there' (in English)," stated the PDP chief.
Mufti underscored the significance of speaking in one's mother tongue at home to safeguard these languages from fading away. She urged people to instil a sense of pride in their native languages, stating, "If you want to save your language, whether it is Dogri, Gujari, or Kashmiri. No one can snatch that away."
In addition to advocating for language preservation, Mufti commemorated the contributions of Masud Choudhary, former Vice-Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) and Chairman of Gujjar Desh Charitable Trust, on his first death anniversary. Recognising his efforts in education and philanthropy, she highlighted his inspirational legacy and pivotal role in uplifting the tribal community's education and empowerment.
"When Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University was established, Mufti Sahab entrusted Masud Chaudhary with the job, knowing he could deliver. He reluctantly pursued the cause of the tribal community and especially focused on their education and empowerment," said Mufti.
The PDP's recent suspension of political activities for seven days stands in solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir following the Supreme Court's verdict on Article 370. The court upheld the validity of the Union government's 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating that Article 370 is a "temporary provision."