Farooq for more efforts to promote Kashmiri language

Union Minister Farooq Abdullah today asked intellectuals, writers and poets from Kashmir to contribute towards the development of Kashmiri language and encourage the younger generation to adopt the mother tongue for communication in the society.
"Kashmiri language has rich diversity which should be utilised by the students and scholars of the language besides making use of the literature in developing the language," he said addressing the inauguration of three-day state poetry festival organised by Indian Council for Cultural Relations at the auditorium of the local station of All India Radio here.
A large number of intellectuals, writers, poets and renowned musicians participated in the inaugural function.

Lauding the rich tradition of Kashmiri language besides its rich creative potential, the Union New and Renewable Energy Minister said "efforts have been made to give preference and importance to our mother tongue and have introduced Kashmiri language in the educational institutions of the Valley."
He said Kashmiri language has its own civilisation and culture which should be preserved for the posterity.
Abdullah said Kashmiri language was introduced not only as the part and parcel of the syllabus in educational institutions but was also a medium of institutions introduced by him.

He also appreciated the efforts of Radio Kashmir for the development of the language.

Kashmiri language has been responsible for maintaining brotherhood among the people of the Valley, he said, adding Kashmiri Pandits are part and parcel of the Valley and hoped their early return for giving impetus to the cultural activities especially development of Kashmiri language.
He also advocated for the assistance to be given to the intellectuals and artists who worked for development of Kashmiri language and released Rs five lakh out of his MPLAD for their financial assistance on the occasion.
Farooq assured that a Committee shall be established which shall submit its report for improving the economic status of deserving writers, artists and intellectuals who have contributed for the flourishing of mother tongue in the Valley.

Various personalities including Rehman Rahi, Amin Kamil, Firaq, Rashid Nazki, Ghulam Nabi Khayal, Margoob Banhali, Brij Hali, Farooq Nazki, renowned musicians Ghulam Qadir Langoo, Raj Begum, Ustad Ghulam Mohammad Saznawaz, Krishen Langoo and Santosh were awarded on the occasion for their contribution in the literature of Kashmiri language.