Speak in Kashmiri language, it defines your identity: Farooq Abdullah asks school children

Srinagar, May 22:   Member of Parliament and National Conference (NC) President, Dr Farooq Abdullah on Wednesday urged the young school children to keep affection with their mother tongue-Kashmiri Language noting that “the Kashmiri language defines the identity of the Kashmiris.”

Dr Farooq Abdullah, the former Chief Minister of J&K was addressing the school children during a two-day event- celebration of Martial Art, Painting and Culture, held at International Delhi Public School Zakura, here.

The event was organised by Kalaripayattu Association of Jammu and Kashmir, which is recognised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Authority of India, National Games and Khelo India Youth Games.

Addressing the students in Kashmiri language, Dr Farooq Abdullah asked the students to love their mother tongue as it gives them recognition as Kashmiri.

"You should love to speak in Kashmiri language. Being Kashmiri, we speak English in such a way as if we have come from England," he said.

Farooq Abdullah said the Kashmir language was the identity of Kashmiris.

"Never forget your mother tongue Kashmiri. Your identity is through your language (Kashmiri). And without Kashmiri language, you have no identity," he asked the student. "You are called Kashmiri because of the Kashmiri language," he said.

He urged the students to make a habit of speaking in Kashmiri language with peer groups and parents at home.

"You should love to speak Kashmiri language and try to understand this language as well," he said.

Dr. Farooq Abdullah further asked the students to stay away from substance abuse noting that the menace has destroyed career and future of our young generations who have fallen prey to the drug addiction

"Stay away from tobacco and other addictive drugs. These drugs have ruined our children and this menace can destroy your present as well as your future," he said.

He asked the students if they can be good citizens of society only if they stay away from drug addiction.

"As long as you stay away from substance abuse, you will stay good and contribute for the betterment of society," he said.