Neglect of Pahari Language and Culture
By: Mohammad Iqbal Mughal
The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL), an institution dedicated to promoting and preserving the region’s linguistic and cultural diversity, has come under scrutiny for its alleged neglect of the Pahari language and its associated cultural activities.
Over the past few years, the Pahari community has expressed deep concerns over the systematic side-lining of their language, which is spoken by approximately 1.5 million people in the region. This article explores the issues faced by the Pahari community, the decline of cultural programs, and the urgent need for revival.
Decline of Pahari Literary and Cultural Programs
Historically, the JKAACL organized annual two- to three-day Pahari literary conferences and festivals in Jammu, along with poetry recitals and cultural gatherings in Poonch and Rajouri.
However, these events have nearly ceased in recent years. Despite the significant population of Pahari speakers in Jammu, the cultural academy has restricted the headquarters of the Pahari department to Srinagar, leaving Jammu devoid of any Pahari-centric programs.
Over the past six months, the JKAACL has conducted numerous programs in Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, Gujri, and Kashmiri, but not a single event has been organized for the Pahari language.
This neglect persists even though funds are allocated equally for all languages under the academy’s budget. Artists and writers have accused the current secretary of adopting an indifferent attitude toward Pahari language initiatives, despite repeated written requests for action.
Reduction in Publications and Advisory Committees
The Pahari community has also faced setbacks in the publication of literary works. The bi-monthly literary magazine *Sheeraza*, which previously had a circulation that included Pahari literature, has seen a significant decline in Pahari language content. The number of published Pahari books and journals has dwindled, leaving authors and poets with fewer opportunities to showcase their work.
Additionally, the advisory committee for the Pahari language within JKAACL, which once played a crucial role in shaping policies and programs for its development, has remained largely inactive. Many seats in the committee remain vacant, further weakening the representation of Pahari scholars and cultural activists.
Lack of Financial Support for Pahari Artists and Writers
Another pressing issue is the lack of financial support for Pahari artists, writers, and performers. The JKAACL has historically provided grants and scholarships to support creative endeavors in various languages, but Pahari artists claim that they are consistently overlooked. The absence of dedicated funding for Pahari cultural programs has resulted in a sharp decline in artistic and literary output.
The neglect of the Pahari language is also evident in the absence of structured efforts to document and preserve its linguistic heritage. Unlike other regional languages, Pahari lacks comprehensive dictionaries, linguistic research projects, and digital archives. Without institutional backing, the language risks further marginalization and erosion over time.
Call for Revival: Demands of the Pahari Community
To address these pressing concerns, the Pahari community has put forth several demands to the JKAACL and the government of Jammu and Kashmir:
- Revival of Cultural Events:The resumption of annual Pahari literary festivals, poetry recitals, and cultural programs in both Jammu and Srinagar.
- Equitable Budget Allocation: Transparent utilization of funds to ensure that Pahari receives its fair share of financial support.
- Publication of Literary Works: Increased publication of Pahari books, journals, and inclusion in *Sheeraza* to promote literary contributions.
- Strengthening Advisory Committees: Reconstitution of the advisory committee for the Pahari language with active participation from scholars and cultural activists.
- Digital and Academic Promotion: Establishment of digital archives, research projects, and Pahari language courses in academic institutions to safeguard the language for future generations.
- Recognition and Representation: Ensuring Pahari artists and writers receive equal opportunities in grants, scholarships, and awareness
(The author is a Social activist and a Columnist)
