Seminar at KU spotlights integration of regional languages in technical education

Srinagar, June 20: To focus on the development and standardisation of technical terms in the Kashmiri language and to highlight the significance of integrating regional languages in technical education, the Department of Electronics and Instrumentation Technology (DEIT), University of Kashmir (KU), Thursday inaugurated a two-day national seminar here.

Titled, ‘Technical Terminology in Kashmiri Language with Importance in Engineering & Technology’, the seminar is being organised in collaboration with the Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT), Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education (MoE).

Emphasising the significance of linguistic diversity in technical education, KU Vice Chancellor Prof Nilofer Khan, said that NEP-2020 has laid a greater emphasis on regional languages.

“Understanding technical terminology in one’s native language enhances comprehension and retention, paving the way for academic and professional excellence ,” Prof Khan said adding that the seminar will encourage a deeper understanding of technical concepts in the Kashmiri language “that will significantly benefit students and professionals in the region”.

She proposed to develop a handbook for tourists and a reference for understanding legal terminology. “That will help us connect more with the society,” she added.

Highlighting the national significance of the initiative, Chairman CSTT Prof Girish Nath Jha, said there is need to develop a common, uniform and standardised terminology because “India is uniquely diverse in languages”.

“We are trying to machine-translate as many regional languages as possible and to achieve that we need to build resources in Kashmiri by engaging faculty and research scholars to evolve and improve the technical terminology,” he said adding that AI can help in developing intelligent tutoring.

Speaking about the collaborative efforts required for such initiatives, KU Registrar Prof Naseer Iqbal, said that such programmes will improve the understanding of diverse subjects.

“Integrating regional languages into technical education not only preserves our linguistic heritage but also makes learning more accessible and effective for native speakers,” adding “this will give us a sense to speak, read and write Kashmiri”.

Outlining the objectives of the seminar, Assistant Director CSTT, Er J S Rawat, shared his insights on the technical aspects of the project.

“Developing precise technical terminology in regional languages like Kashmiri is crucial for advancing technical education and ensuring that students can learn in their mother tongue with confidence,” he said.

Discussing his department’s role in organising such activities, Head, DEIT, KU, Prof M Tariq Banday, said: “The seminar is expected to attract academicians, researchers and students from across domains, encouraging a collaborative environment for linguistic and technical innovation.”

Outlining the mandate of CSTT, Seminar Coordinator, Dr Javaid A Sheikh, termed it “an excellent platform for scholars, educators and professionals to exchange ideas and collaborate on the development of technical terminology in the Kashmiri language”.

Er Farhat Roohie, Scientist, DEIT, conducted the proceedings of the inaugural session, while as, Dr Farooq Ahmad Khanday proposed the formal vote of thanks.