Sakina Itoo stresses preservation, promotion of Kashmiri language

Awantipora, Nov 12: The Minister of Education Sakina Itoo on Tuesday underlined the need to promote and preserve the Kashmir language.

“It is rather unfortunate that we do not promote Kashmiri language the way other states are promoting and strengthening their native languages,” she said. The Minister was speaking at a function organised at Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) to mark the varsity’s 19th Foundation Day.

Since November 7, the university has been conducting a flurry of programs on the campus as part of its foundation day celebrations.

Itoo, who also holds the portfolio of Health and Medical Education (H & ME) department and Social Welfare expressed regret over the younger generations’ declining inability to speak Kashmiri. “Our children struggle to understand when their parents and grandparents speak to them in Kashmiri. We must teach our children our mother tongue”, said the Minister, who was also the chief guest on the occasion. Itoo emphasised the importance of using the Kashmiri language during various events organised by the university.

She said that they had to preserve and strengthen their mother tongue. Underscoring the importance of education, the Minister said, “If you educate an individual, you educate a nation.” She commended the university for its successful implementation of the Education Policy 2020 and acknowledged its significant contribution under the policy. She said that IUST is one of the most successful universities.

Itoo assured the university of government’s full support in enhancing academic initiatives.

“Our government is committed to provide free education from Ist grade through university, enabling more people to access education,” she said. The Minister , however, said that the government could not do anything unless it needs the active support and cooperation of people. She said that the Hon’ble Chief Minister wanted to work more in the education sector.

Itoo also inaugurated the National Academia Industry Conclave 4.0-Cultivating Synergy. The Minister urged the students to look beyond the government sector and create a niche for themselves in the sectors like tourism and hospitality.

Speaking on the occasion, Nasir Aslam Wani, advisor to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the university had emerged as one of the best institutions not only in Jammu and Kashmir, but across the entire country.

“The campus is fully equipped and now we should look forward to expansions,” said Wani. He underlined the need for creating a world class sports facility.

Earlier, Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST in his address gave a rundown about the progress and different milestones achieved by the university since its establishment.

He said that “Design Your Own Course” became one of the most innovative and successful programs of the university.

Dean Academic Affairs, IUST Prof A H Moon and representative of CMD SIDBI Balbir Singh also spoke on the occasion.