GANDERBAL: Bhartiya Bhasha Samvardhana Samiti (BBSS-II) Kashmiri, two-days “Authors Workshop on Academic Writing to Develop Textbooks for Higher Education in the Kashmiri Language” culminated successfully at the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), Tulmulla campus here on Friday. The event organised under the guidance of University Grants Commission (UGC) was a crucial step towards strengthening the presence of the Kashmiri language in academia.
Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Dean School of languages, the Organising Secretary and the Nodal coordinator of BBSS-II (Kashmiri) in her address, presented the detailed report about the two day-event, highlighting the achievement of the objectives and also the identified areas to be addressed for the sake of successful completion of the book writing task by authors. She expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and reaffirmed the university’s commitment to language preservation through academic contributions.
Cluster University of Srinagar, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Mohammad Mobin who was the Chief Guest on the occasion, hailed the initiative as a progressive move towards linguistic empowerment. He pointed out that textbooks in regional languages allow students to access knowledge in their mother tongue, thereby enhancing comprehension and academic performance.
He laid stress on the fact that the need of an hour is not only to preserve Kashmiri language but to broaden its horizon to make it more accessible in academic and social spheres. Prof. Mohammad Mobin, also shared insightful experiences regarding the sorry state of affairs with regard to the situation of Kashmiri language. He shared his personal experience in foreign countries and the success by embracing learning in mother tongue.
Addressing the participants during the valediction ceremony, Vice Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, highlighted and underscored the need for preserving linguistic diversity in academic writing. He emphasized that the inclusion of regional languages in higher education is a step toward a more inclusive and enriched learning environment. “By fostering a culture of academic writing and textbook development in Kashmiri, this initiative lays the foundation for a more inclusive and knowledge-rich educational landscape in India.” Prof. A Ravinder Nath said the event highlighted the importance of academic writing in regional language development and the steps taken to enhance the quality of Kashmiri-language educational materials.
Vice Chancellors, Prof. A Ravinder Nath and Prof. Mohammad Mobin later distributed certificates among the participants. Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Kashmiri poet and literary figure, Prof. Shafi Shauq, Deans of Schools, faculty members from CUKashmir and other institutions were also present on the occasion. During the technical session earlier today, an expert session on Lexicography was conducted by Prof. Shafi Shauq. Dean School of Education, Prof. Syed Zahoor Ahmad Geelani proposed the vote of thanks. Asst Prof. Deptt of Kashmir, Dr. Samreena Geelani conducted the programme proceedings.
