In the quiet village of Dardpora Khaitangan in Baramulla, a young man named Asif Iqbal Bhat is on a mission to protect and promote the Kashmiri language. He believes that language is more than just words—it is the soul of a culture.
Asif, known on social media as Keashur Parun, is using digital platforms to encourage people to speak, learn, and love Kashmiri language. His work is gaining attention, especially among the youth, who are slowly drifting away from their mother tongue.
Kashmiri language was once widely spoken across the J&K , connecting generations through stories, songs, and poetry. But today, the language is on decline. Many young people prefer speaking Urdu, English, or Hindi, believing these languages offer better career opportunities.
Asif sees this as a serious problem. “We often forget that our mother tongue is not just a way to talk to each other; it carries our identity, our history, and our traditions,” he says.
Experts say modernization, urbanization, and the rise of global languages have pushed Kashmiri language to the background. Schools and colleges do not focus much on teaching Kashmiri, and many parents do not encourage their children to speak this language at home. This has led to a slow but steady disappearance of Kashmiri from everyday conversations.
“As fewer people speak Kashmiri, fewer people will be able to read and write in it,” Asif warns. “If this continues, we might lose not just a language but a deep and rich cultural heritage.”
Asif finds motivation in the great poets, saints, and scholars of Kashmir. He looks up to legends like Sheikh-ul-Alam, Hazrat Shams Faqeer, Syed Mirak Shah Kashani, Wahab Khar, Mahmood Gami, Lal Ded, and Rasul Mir.
These figures contributed immensely to Kashmiri literature and philosophy. Their poems and teachings are filled with wisdom, spirituality, and love for the Kashmiri way of life.
“I am emotionally moved by their words,” says Asif. “They remind me that Kashmiri is not just a language. It is a way of life.”
Asif believes that if people reconnect with these great thinkers, they will understand the importance of preserving their mother tongue.
In today’s digital age, social media plays a big role in spreading awareness. Asif has taken advantage of this by creating an Instagram account called Keashur Parun. Through this platform, he shares content that makes Kashmiri interesting and fun to learn.
Kashmiri riddles and proverbs, reflect the wisdom of past generations and keep old sayings alive. Historical facts, Asif educates his followers about the rich history of Kashmir and its language. Poetry and literature. He shares works of Kashmiri poets, explaining their meanings in simple words.
By making the content engaging, Asif has managed to attract a large audience. Many young Kashmiris follow his page to reconnect with their roots.
“I want to make Kashmiri fun and accessible,” he says. “If we can speak English fluently, why not Kashmiri? It is our own language.”
Despite his efforts, Asif faces many challenges. One of the biggest problems is that Kashmiri is not widely taught in schools. Parents often encourage their children to learn other languages that are seen as more useful for jobs and studies.
“As kids, we are taught that success comes from speaking English or Urdu. While these languages are important, ignoring Kashmiri is a mistake,” says Asif.
Another challenge is the lack of books and resources in Kashmiri. Unlike other regional languages that have a strong literary presence, Kashmiri does not have enough modern books, newspapers, or digital content to keep the younger generation interested.
However, Asif remains hopeful. He believes that with the right efforts, Kashmiri can be saved from fading away.
To keep the language alive, Asif suggests simple steps. Speaking Kashmiri at home, parents should talk to their children in Kashmiri. Use Kashmiri on social media instead of writing only in English or Urdu, people should post in Kashmiri too.Read Kashmiri literature. More books should be written and published in Kashmiri to keep the language relevant. Teach Kashmiri in schools – Schools should include Kashmiri in their curriculum as an important subject.
“As long as we use Kashmiri in our daily lives, it will survive,” he says.
Asif’s work is already inspiring many. Several young Kashmiris have started creating content in Kashmiri on social media. Artists, writers, and musicians are also showing interest in reviving the language.
Recently, there have been campaigns and workshops encouraging people to speak Kashmiri. The government and cultural organizations are also taking steps to promote the language. “Saving a language is not just one person’s job,” says Asif.
Asif’s journey is a reminder that language is a crucial part of identity. Losing it means losing a part of history, culture, and tradition.
Through his work, he hopes to bring Kashmiri back into everyday conversations. “Our ancestors left us a beautiful language. We must pass it on to future generations,” he says.
