Awantipora, Feb. 25: The Habba Khatoon Centre for Kashmiri Language & Literature, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), celebrated International Mother Language Day in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Young Dramatists Society of Kashmir.
The programme was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo. Shafi Shauq, Padma Shri awardee (2026), was the Chief Guest, while Prof. Majrooh Rashid attended as Guest of Honour. The event was attended by Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon, deans, heads of departments, and representatives of the collaborating institutions.
In his address, Prof. Shafi Shauq highlighted the rich literary and social contributions of the Kashmiri language, describing it as a living language that must adapt to technological platforms to remain relevant in the digital age.
Prof. Romshoo emphasized the importance of mother tongues in fostering learning, creativity, and cultural continuity. He appreciated the Centre’s efforts and proposed introducing technology-oriented and language-based courses to enhance both linguistic engagement and employability. He also suggested forming a consortium of relevant institutions across Kashmir to promote the Kashmiri language.
Dr. Afshana, Coordinator of the Centre, welcomed the guests and underlined the significance of the day. Prof. Ayaz Hassan Moon stressed the responsibility of the younger generation in promoting Kashmiri, while Prof. Majrooh Rashid reaffirmed that the language continues to thrive, with nearly 100 books published annually. Prof. Afroz Ahmad Bisati noted the language’s rich heritage from Lal Ded to Sheikh-ul-Alam. As part of the program, literary discussions, cultural presentations, and academic deliberations were also held.
