Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 13: Dogri, Kashmiri and Ladakhi were showcased at the UN International Mother Language Day 2020, held recently at the House of Commons in United Kingdom.
In the literary star studded event, 21 Indian languages were showcased – ranging from Maithli, Sindhi, Assamese and Tamil. Anupama Handoo and Manu Khajuria Singh flew the flag for Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory.
Anupama Handoo talked about how sweet Kashmiri language is and its origin from Sanskrit and Bhramhi. She informed about the near extinction of the Sharada script and its slow revival process through conscientious efforts of a volunteer group called Coresharada. Anupama highlighted how death of a language kills the heritage, traditions, folklore, folksongs and the generational wisdom of a culture.
Manu Khajuria, read out a self-composed poem “Jammu -Meri Rooh Uthe”. In this she highlights all the things she misses about Jammu, in a far away land. The poem describes how this land of her parents, ancestors is where her soul resides. She poignantly describes the geography, fairs, food, music, devi-devta, yatras, local legends and says everything else pales in comparison to the beauty and heritage of the region.
Manu Khajuria, who is the Founder of Voice of Dogras and part of Friends of India International in UK, said that to preserve Dogri, it must be aggressively promoted amongst the young, encouraging them to use the language in their daily lives and in different ways. She highlighted the need to revive the Takri script and informed that it was the second time that Dogri had been showcased in Parliament in UK, through the efforts of Voice of Dogras.
Ladakh was also showcased during the literary event for the first time on British soil. The highlight was presentation of Jingsten Thonpe Tseru of Shri Rinchen Wacher by Chanda Jha, whose brother serves in Indian Army and was in Ladakh. Bodhi script was shown on the big screen for everyone to see, while the rendition was being done. A published compilation titled “Kaavya Sugandha” was released on the occasion. Specially written for the occasion, the poems included emotions towards fading away of some of these languages, mainly due to the alarming number of young generations not speaking or writing in their native languages. Presenters included doctors, social activists, civil servants, academicians, engineers and entrepreneurs, all taking pride in their mother language.
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