Roadmap for introducing Kashmiri in 9th, 10th classes in final stage: Director School Education Kashmir
Srinagar, Jul 25:The Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, organised a commemorative function in Srinagar to pay tributes to noted writer, researcher, and social activist late Abdul Khaliq Tak Zainagiri on his 36th death anniversary.
The event witnessed a galaxy of eminent personalities from the academic and literary circles, who gathered to remember the life and contributions of the late social activist.
Director School Education, Kashmir, Ghulam Nabi Yatoo, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said the roadmap for the introduction of Kashmiri as a subject in classes 9th and 10th was in its final stages.
He said the proposal would be deliberated in detail at the upcoming two-day national conference on the National Education Policy (NEP) scheduled for August 19.
“NEP lays special emphasis on the promotion and preservation of local languages. Introducing Kashmiri at the secondary school level is a crucial step in that direction,” Yatoo said, paying tributes to Tak Zainagiri for his contributions to education and society.
The event was presided over by former Director Radio Kashmir Srinagar, Syed Humayun Qaisar, while noted scholars Prof Shad Ramzan, Prof Muhammad Zaman Azurda, and former BOSE Secretary Farooq Ahmad Peer also addressed the gathering.
In his keynote address, Prof Shad Ramzan recalled Tak Zainagiri’s literary and cultural legacy, announcing that his seminal work ‘Kashir Aalaqa Wad Phirh’ would soon be translated into English.
“We must internalise the use of Kashmiri in our day-to-day lives to preserve its linguistic and cultural soul,” he said.
Advocate Abdul Rashid Hanjura, in his welcome address, described Zainagiri as a beacon of selfless service and social awakening.
“His legacy must be carried forward by the youth, especially by incorporating Kashmiri literature into extracurricular activities in educational institutions,” he said. Farooq Peer, while paying tribute, underscored the importance of rejuvenating the Kashmiri language to protect identity and heritage.
“Kashmiri is an optional subject in prestigious competitive exams like PSC and UPSC. Our youth must embrace it to enhance their prospects,” he said.
Noted Syed Humayun Qaisar and academic Prof Azurda also paid tributes to Zainagiri, recalling his deep commitment to literature, social work, and cultural revival.
On the occasion, the Kashmir Concern Foundation conferred the Tak Zainagiri Memorial Award posthumously on the poet, late Adil Kralawari.
The award was received by his son, Dr Rouf Adil.
Another award was presented to poet Gazanfar Ali Gazal of Charar-e-Sharief, in recognition of his literary contributions in Urdu, Kashmiri, and English.
Papers detailing various dimensions of Tak Zainagiri’s life and work were presented by scholars Inayat Gul and Afaaq Aziz.
