Encourage children to speak in mother tongue: Minister

"Teachers and parents should encourage children to speak in their mother tongue as it will help in conservation of their culture," Higher Education Minister Abdul Gani Malik said.

He also appealed to the parents to be soft towards their wards and not pressurise them with regard to their studies.

"Do not put much pressure on the child for carrying heavy bag of books. Children must be provided opportunity to enjoy their childhood," he said.

The minister was addressing at a school function in Katra, the base camp for Vaishnodevi pilgrims.