Srinagar, Dec 26 : In a bid to safeguard one of the world’s oldest living languages, young Kashmiri-speaking activists, alongside Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, have launched a concerted effort to revive and preserve the Kashmiri language.
Kashmiri, a linguistic heritage spanning nearly 5,000 years, is increasingly at risk due to declining everyday use and the dominance of other languages in education and public life. Activists warned that without timely intervention, future generations may lose direct access to their cultural and literary heritage.
During the gathering, speakers emphasized the need for institutional support, community initiatives, and policy measures to ensure Kashmiri remains a living language. Key proposals included integrating Kashmiri into school curricula, promoting its use on digital platforms, in literature, and media, and fostering pride among youth in their linguistic identity.
Mehbooba Mufti highlighted that language is more than a communication tool—it carries history, collective memory, and cultural values. She called for a sustained, inclusive effort involving families, educational institutions, and civil society to protect the language from further decline.
Youth activists stressed that the movement is rooted in cultural responsibility rather than political motives. Organizers announced plans for similar awareness campaigns across the Valley to engage wider participation and strengthen Kashmiri as a language of daily expression and public discourse.
The collaboration between young activists and political leadership has renewed attention on the urgent need to preserve Kashmiri, ensuring it is passed on to future generations.
