Jammu, Feb 23: In a vibrant celebration of linguistic diversity and cultural pride, Government Women’s College, Gandhinagar, Jammu, Sunday hosted a special programme as part of the International Mother Language Day-Week Celebrations.
The event, organized by the college’s Language Club, brought together students, faculty, and esteemed guests to reflect on the profound significance of mother languages in shaping a conscious and living society.
The program was graced by the presence of three distinguished luminaries from the fields of linguistics, journalism, and cultural activism in Jammu and Kashmir. Ram Bahadur Shukla, Head of the Sanskrit Department at Jammu University, Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary of Kala-Kendra Jammu, and Surendra Sagar, Head of the Dogri Section oQf popular “The Straight Line” Web Portal, delivered thought-provoking speeches. Their words resonated deeply, emphasizing the vital role of mother languages in preserving cultural identity and fostering societal harmony.
Presiding over the event, the college Principal, Dr. S.P. Saraswat, inspired the audience with his impassioned address. He urged students to take pride in their linguistic roots and embrace their mother tongues—be it Dogri, Gojri, Pahari, Kashmiri, Punjabi, or any other—without hesitation or shame. “Our languages are the soul of our heritage,” he remarked, “and speaking them is a celebration of who we are.”
The keynote address was eloquently delivered by Dr. Liaqat Jafri, HOD Urdu Department, who underscored the unifying power of language in a diverse society. Dr. Vijender Sharma, Head of the Sanskrit Department, skilfully orchestrated the proceedings, ensuring the event flowed seamlessly. The guests were warmly welcomed by the principal, while Professor Bindu Chib, HOD Hindi Department, expressed gratitude with a heartfelt vote of thanks.
The program was a collaborative effort, with Dr. Tarsem Lal, HOD Dogri Department, overseeing its meticulous organization. The audience, comprising students and faculty from all language departments, was further enriched by the presence of esteemed professors, including Professor Rupinder Kaur, Professor Paramjit Singh, Professor Amjad Bhatti, Professor Rohit Gupta, Professor Tahira Shah, Professor Poonam Rajput, Professor Balbir, Prof Aijaz, Professor Vipan and Professor Omar. This gathering was not merely an academic exercise but a heartfelt tribute to the linguistic tapestry that binds communities together. It served as a reminder that every language carries within it the stories, wisdom, and dreams of its people. As the echoes of the event lingered, the message was clear: to honour one’s mother tongue is to honour the very essence of humanity.
