CUK celebrates Bharatiya Bhasha Divas

Ganderbal, Dec 12: School of Languages, Central University of Kashmir (CUK), in collaboration with the Bharatiya Bhasha Samvardhan Samiti (Kashmiri), celebrated the Bharatiya Bhasha Divas (Indian Languages Day) at varsity’s Arts Campus.

A statement of CUK issued here said that the celebration marked a collective tribute to India’s linguistic diversity and cultural unity, highlighting the vital role of languages in shaping the nation’s identity and connecting communities across regions.

The day is observed in the memory of Mahakavi Subramanya Bharati, whose contributions to Indian literature and national awakening continue to inspire generations.

As a mark of respect, a multi-voluminous book comprising 23 volumes entitled ‘Bharathi Works: In Chronological Order’ was released during the function.

Prof Sandhya Tiwari, Dean, School of Languages, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean, School of Legal Studies, Prof Shad Ramzan, Head Deptt of Kashmir, Nazir Ahmad Bhat, University Librarian, faculty members from the Departments of English, Urdu and Kashmiri, along with scholars and students, also attended the programme.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Sandhya Tiwari emphasised the indispensable role of languages in strengthening national unity and preserving India’s pluralistic heritage.

She reflected on how languages are not merely modes of communication but repositories of collective memory and cultural identity.

In her remarks, she urged students to take pride in India’s multilingual heritage and to actively engage in preserving and promoting indigenous languages in academia and daily life.

Dean, SoL expressed gratitude to the Vice Chancellor, Prof A Ravinder Nath, for consistently inspiring to foreground India’s linguistic richness in academic and cultural engagements.

Prof Farooq Ahmad Mir, in his address, explored the deep and intrinsic relationship between language and culture.

He highlighted that every language carries within it a unique worldview, a set of values and aesthetic sensibility.

Drawing on the constitutional ideals of linguistic respect and inclusivity, he stressed that nurturing multilingual capabilities strengthens the fabric of a truly democratic and culturally rich society.

Prof Shad Ramzan, in his remarks, reflected on the “cultural threads” that interweave India’s many languages into a shared fabric of unity.

He emphasised that despite differences in script, sound and region, Indian languages share deep cultural interconnections manifested in shared idioms, folklore, mythology and literary expressions.

He further remarked that these linguistic and cultural linkages accentuate the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’, a vision that celebrates unity through diversity.

Speaking on the occasion, Nazir Ahmad Bhat, Librarian of the University, provided insightful reflections on the development, usage and contemporary relevance of Indian languages in academic and public spheres.

He underscored the urgent need for modern technological tools and institutional support to promote research, translation and digital preservation of lesser-used Indian languages.