Srinagar, Dec 26: Expressing deep concern over the survival of a 5,000-year-old linguistic heritage, young Kashmiri-speaking activists on Friday came together to launch a renewed campaign for the preservation and promotion of the Kashmiri language. The initiative was joined by former Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who underscored the urgent need to protect Kashmiri as a vital marker of the Valley’s cultural identity.
The activists highlighted that despite its rich history and literary tradition, the Kashmiri language faces gradual marginalisation due to declining everyday use, lack of institutional support, and limited presence in education and digital platforms. They warned that without immediate and sustained efforts, the language risks further erosion among younger generations.
Addressing the gathering, Mehbooba Mufti stressed that safeguarding Kashmiri is not merely a cultural exercise but a responsibility towards history and future generations. She called for concrete measures, including stronger policy support, inclusion of Kashmiri in school curricula, encouragement of literature and media in the language, and greater use of Kashmiri in public life.
The youth participants announced plans for awareness campaigns, community workshops, digital content creation, and intergenerational learning programmes aimed at ensuring the transmission of Kashmiri to children and young adults.
The gathering concluded with a collective pledge to work across political, social, and educational platforms to preserve, promote, and revitalise the ancient Kashmiri language, reaffirming it as a living and evolving symbol of the Valley’s identity.
