The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) celebrated International Mother Language Day with a grand seminar aimed at promoting the preservation and development of regional languages. The event, attended by scholars, academics, and government officials, underscored the significance of linguistic heritage and the need for concrete measures to protect mother languages.
The Acting President and Chancellor of UAJK, Chaudhry Latif Akbar, addressed the gathering as the chief guest, reaffirming the government’s commitment to integrating local languages into the education system from primary to secondary levels. Delivering his speech in his native Gujari language, Akbar emphasized the urgent need to revive endangered languages, advocating for efforts to begin at the household level. He highlighted his political party’s manifesto, which includes pledges to promote mother languages, and stressed the importance of safeguarding languages such as Gujari and Kashmiri alongside other regional dialects.
Vice Chancellor of UAJK, Prof Dr Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi, also delivered his remarks in his mother tongue, emphasizing that native languages encapsulate cultural heritage and history. He announced the introduction of new language courses at the Institute of Languages at UAJK, beginning in March 2025, which will include Kashmiri, Gujari, Pahari, and Hindko. Expressing his personal enthusiasm, he shared his intent to enroll in the Kashmiri course to deepen his understanding of the language. Dr Abbasi also hinted at organizing a larger event post-Eid to further advance the cause of mother language promotion.
Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Meritorious Professor Dr Nadeem Haider Bukhari, shed light on the research-driven initiatives of the Institute of Languages in preserving native languages. Chairman of TEVTA AJK, Chaudhry Muhammad Farid, underscored the link between linguistic preservation and sustainable development. Secretary of Education (Schools), Inayat Ali Qazi, elaborated on his department’s efforts to introduce Kashmiri language courses for students from Grade 6 to the intermediate level.
Distinguished speakers, including DPI Colleges Professor Dr Abdul Rehman, linguist Dr Sagheer, Hindko poet Habib Ur Rehman Habib, Pahari poet Syed Masroor Shah, Senior Producer of Radio Pakistan Chaudhry Khalid Mahmood, and Director of the Institute of Languages Dr Zafeer Kayani, addressed the seminar in their respective native languages, further enriching the discourse on linguistic preservation.
Adding to the cultural vibrancy of the event, students from Postgraduate College (Women) Muzaffarabad performed melodious songs in various mother languages, captivating the audience. Earlier in the day, a symbolic awareness walk, led by Acting President Chaudhry Latif Akbar, commenced from the Central Library to the Education Hall, with enthusiastic participation from university officials, faculty members, and students.
The seminar marked a significant step toward the recognition and promotion of mother languages, reinforcing the commitment of UAJK and government stakeholders to preserving linguistic diversity for future generations.