Jammu, Feb 10: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology and Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana Monday advocated the opening of the Tribal Languages Centre at the University of Jammu during a seminar that delved into the intriguing reciprocal relationship between Gojri and Urdu languages.
The event provided valuable insights into the beautiful exchange of words, phrases and cultural nuances.
The proposed Centre would provide a platform for research, documentation and promotion of tribal languages in J&K.
The minister was addressing a mammoth gathering after inaugurating the seminar which was organised by JKAACL and Department of Urdu, Jammu University.
The inaugural function was presided over by Professor Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor of the University of Jammu while Prof Shohab Inayat Malik, HOD Urdu, University of Jammu and Javaid Rahi, Divisional Head JKAACL besides renowned researchers were also present in the presidium.
In his address, the Minister applauded the Department of Urdu for organising the seminar on a vital topic.
He described Gojri as one of the main languages of J&K being spoken by a large chunk of the population.
Urdu has not only influenced Gojri but also the other languages which are being spoken in J&K, he said.
Tracing the history of Gojri, the Minister also quoted some examples from Mahabharat and Ramayan where Gojri words have been used.
While discussing the cultural heritage of Gujjars, the Minister discussed the rich cultural heritage of Gujjar culture and informed that Urdu too has been influenced by Gujjar culture, language and civilisation. He further said that since the language is spoken and written by a large number of people of J&K, therefore, Gujjar and Pahari Cultural Centres need to be established at the University of Jammu for which he offered full support from the government’s Tribal Department.
He also advocated the constitution of a Research Committee which could conduct research on the life, culture and language of Gujjars throughout the world.
Prof Umesh Rai announced that interviews for the post of Gojri and Dogri which has been already advertised would be conducted soon. He added that Pahari and Gojri centres would also be made functional shortly by the University of Jammu.
