Kashmiri and Dogri made a twin impact at the recently held UN International Mother Language Day 2020 at the House of Commons in the UK. In a literary star studded event where 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 state. Anupama Handoo talked about how sweet kashmiri language is and it’s origin from Sanskrit and Bhramhi. In her words Kashmiri language is as warm as a mother’s embrace, as dazzling as the sun on winter snow, as fragrant as blooming daffodils, as melodious as the song of Bulbuls and as constant as the River Vistasta’s flow. She went on to highlight the near extinction of the Sharada script and it’s 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. She lamented how death of Sharada script would mean that Kashmiri pandit children would lose contact with their roots, history and culture. To preserve kashmiri, she implored, we must preserve its indigenous script Sharada lipi. 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 – an organisation that aims to strengthen the Indian diaspora network, arrange events and develop relationship with MPs 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 added that it was promising that the poem was transliterated by a young Dogra who goes by the name of Dogra Akkhar in social media. This highlights the need to revive the Takri script. She reiterated that it is the second time that Dogri has been showcased in Parliament in UK, through the efforts of Voice of Dogras, strengthing its global recognition. The event on UN International Mother Language Day was a vivid reminder of the diverse cultural fabric of India. Jammu and Kashmir, the dazzling crown of India made a lasting impression about how it’s Sanatan roots of Sanskrit and Sanskriti run deep in Kashmiri and Dogri language.
