Srinagar, Feb. 21 -- The International Mother Language Day, celebrated on 21 February each year, reminds us that languages are living expressions of identity, culture, and memory. The day, proclaimed by UNESCO in 1999, encourages linguistic diversity, multilingual education, and the preservation of endangered languages. The issues raised in the world this time are very close to the current state of the Kashmiri language.

Kashmiri is a regional language in Jammu and Kashmir and the emotional fibre that connects generations. It bears folklore, poetry, spirituality, and common history. However, even with its richness, its daily use is slowly fading, especially among the younger generations.

Language and Cultural Identity

The first thought...