Ubaid Ganaie
If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. if you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.
– Nelson Mandela
I am a student of journalism at IIMC Delhi and a Kashmiri. As the whole world celebrated international mother tongue day this month, I find it to be a perfect time and opportunity to discuss and highlight the issue of importance and need of Kashmiri language journalism. Kashmiri language is majorly spoken in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir and has many speakers internationally who moved away from Kashmir over time and almost 55% of Jammu Kashmir’s population speaks the Kashmiri language.
As the 8th schedule of Indian constitution recognizes Kashmiri language as one of the 22 languages of India, it was also added to the list 5 official languages after Jammu Kashmir’s official language bill in 2020.
Kashmiri being language of this much importance deserves its space in the field of journalism as well, but to our surprise Kashmiri language has almost negligible importance and record in the field of journalism. To understand the bad performance of Kashmiri language in journalism and its challenges, I spoke to Executive Editor of Sangarmal, Jeelani Kamran, and after speaking to him I came to know about various aspects of the struggles of Kashmiri language newspaper published from Srinagar, that is Sangarmal and hence of Kashmiri language journalism as whole.
When I asked Jeelani Kamran that can he please tell us briefly about the history of Sangarmal and how it started, he briefly tried to walk us through the time by Narrating that It had started in year 2007 as a weekly magazine and converted into a daily newspaper in year 2011. This 8 paged colored newspaper was the first newspaper to be published in Kashmiri language.
Though initially it received a very good response but the enthusiasm declined with every passing day. The people who encouraged Late Shujaat Bukhari Sahab to start it as a contribution to the neglected language unfortunately didn’t prove their support practically in terms of financial help or other help resulting in all the load on the late Founder himself.
If the newspaper would have received the response as other English, Urdu newspapers received as in terms of daily subscription the story would have been different. Jeelani also added that there were times when the newspaper was on the verge of closure but the firm determination and considering it as a contribution towards the Kashmiris and Kashmiri Language late Shujaat Sahab and his companions stood as a mountain to continue it. Still we have a good response as Sangarmal has an official website, a Facebook page and still thousands of printed copies are distributed round the valley.
It rather felt good on knowing that the paper is receiving a better response online both on official Facebook page and official website. On asking he said there are also other newspapers contributing to the cause including “Kahwet” and a weekly newspaper “Meeras”.
Jeelani also added that the number of advertisements whether government or private the paper receives is very less and thus paper is still in financial crunch.
Regarding the future aspect, Jeelani displayed hope as after the implementation of Jammu Kashmir official languages bill 2020 in which Kashmiri has been added as an official language in Jammu Kashmir. He believes this will attract people to read and write in the said language be it as an obligation or necessity. The past scenario is now going to change as the implementation of this act will possibly result in introduction of Kashmiri text books at primary and middle school level.
This will result in people getting to know and express their ideas properly in the language.
The Executive Editor also wishes that in near future if universities, be it University of Kashmir or Central University of Kashmir or Indian institute of mass communication – Jammu campus, should introduce an annual or bi – annual diploma in Kashmiri Journalism as is available in other states and languages.
Taking Indian institute of mass communication as an example, which has a one year diploma course, available in various languages like Marathi, Odhia, Malayalam at its various campuses across the country. As masters degree provided by the Universities in the language doesn’t suffice the challenges of the field of journalism. He also hopes in the near future language will flourish and receive the long – awaited attention it deserves.