PM praises noted Gojri writer Manshah Khaki for his achievements in linguistics

Ganderbal, Feb 25: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday heaped praise on a renowned Gojri writer, Muhammad Mansha Khaki, a resident of Ganderbal district for his remarkable efforts and achievements in the area of linguistics and preservation of culture and Gojri language.

During his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme, the PM spoke about India’s diversity and emphasised the use of the mother tongue.

He cited the example of Khaki of Ganderbal, who has been engaged in efforts to preserve the Gojri language for the last three decades.

“The beauty of India lies in its diversity and also in the different hues of our culture. I feel good to see how many people are selflessly making efforts to preserve and beautify Indian culture. You will find such people in every part of India. Among these, a large number are also those who are working in the field of language. Manshah Ji of Ganderbal in J&K has been engaged in efforts to preserve the Gojri language for the last three decades,” PM Modi said. “He comes from the Gujjar-Bakerwal community which is a tribal community. In his childhood, he had to work hard to study. He used to cover a distance of 20 km on foot every day. Amidst such challenges, he obtained a Masters degree and it was only then that his resolve to preserve his language became stronger.”

Khaki, a renowned Gojri writer hails from Kachnambal village in Kangan, Ganderbal, and retired as the senior editor from Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) in the year 2014.

During his services and post-retirement, he wrote several books, translated many books, and wrote articles besides a large number of Ghazals and folk songs in the Gojri language.

Khaki was also recently honoured with the government award on Republic Day 2024 by the J&K government for his remarkable work in the field of literature.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Khaki expressed happiness and thanked the PM for his comments and acknowledgement of his work.

“It is a moment of great pleasure to receive praises from the PM,” he said. “The efforts and work to promote and preserve the Gojri language will continue.”

Khaki said that one should promote and preserve his or her mother tongue to prosper as it symbolises culture.

The scope of Khaki’s work in the field of literature is so extensive that it has been conserved in about 50 volumes.

These also include poems and folk songs.

Meanwhile, the district administration Ganderbal congratulated Khakhi for his achievements in literature.