Pahari Language should be introduced in higher education curriculum
By: Mohammad Iqbal Mughal
The rich linguistic and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without the recognition of its diverse languages, such as Pahari and Gojri. Despite their historical and cultural significance, these languages have remained on the fringes of formal education systems for decades.
Introducing the Pahari language in the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) curriculum and higher education institutions is a necessary step to preserve this invaluable cultural treasure.
Efforts in Higher Education
An exemplary initiative has already been taken by Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) in Rajouri, which offers a Master’s program in Pahari and Gojri. This step not only provides an academic platform for these languages but also promotes research and scholarly work that contributes to their preservation.
Unfortunately, other universities in Jammu and Kashmir have not yet followed this progressive model. Institutions like the University of Kashmir, the University of Jammu, and Central University of Jammu should also introduce programs dedicated to regional languages, thus ensuring their continuity and fostering linguistic diversity.
Inclusion in School Curriculum
Introducing Pahari in the JKBOSE curriculum at the school level is equally crucial. Early exposure to a language instills a sense of pride and belonging among young learners while ensuring that the language thrives through future generations. By including Pahari in school syllabi, students will not only learn the language but also its associated literature, folklore, and traditions, which are vital to the cultural fabric of the region.
Cultural Significance
The Pahari language serves as a vital link to the traditions, history, and values of the communities that speak it. Pahari folklore, poetry, and music reflect the ethos of the people and offer a glimpse into their way of life.
Preserving the language means preserving a unique cultural identity that has been passed down through generations. Languages like Pahari and Gojri are also mediums through which ancient wisdom, traditional knowledge, and oral histories are conveyed. Their loss would be an irreversible blow to the cultural diversity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Government’s Role in Preservation
The responsibility of preserving languages like Pahari lies with both the community and the government. By including Pahari in the school curriculum and promoting it in higher education institutions, the government can ensure its continuity and relevance. Policy measures, such as providing scholarships for Pahari language studies, appointing language teachers, and funding research projects, will encourage more students to take up the language.
Conclusion
Languages are more than mere tools of communication; they are carriers of culture, history, and identity. The inclusion of Pahari in the JKBOSE curriculum and higher education is not just an academic reform but a cultural revival.
The successful implementation of Pahari programs at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University sets a precedent that other universities should emulate. To ensure the survival of Pahari and other regional languages, the government must act decisively and integrate them into educational frameworks. This step will not only preserve these languages for future generations but also honor the cultural diversity of Jammu and Kashmir.
(The author is a Social Activist and a Columnist)
