In a groundbreaking move that marries traditional linguistics with cutting-edge technology, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT-JK) has launched an innovative E-Dictionary for the Kashmiri language.
This digital masterpiece, unveiled today by SCERT-JK Director Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas, marks a significant milestone in preserving and promoting Kashmir’s rich linguistic heritage while embracing the digital revolution in education.
The E-Dictionary, a collaborative effort between the Department of Education in Languages and the ECT & CS wing of SCERT-JK, offers a comprehensive linguistic bridge, providing translations from Kashmiri to Urdu and English, complete with Roman transcripts. This multifaceted approach makes it an invaluable resource for students, educators, researchers, and language students across the globe, breaking down language barriers and fostering cross-cultural understanding.
The development of this E-Dictionary aligns perfectly with the National Curriculum Framework’s emphasis on leveraging Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education. As highlighted in the NCF, such digital resources can “break down barriers and constraints,” making learning more accessible and inclusive.
The E-Dictionary exemplifies how technology can be harnessed to preserve cultural heritage while simultaneously modernizing educational tools.
Shabir Hussain Shabir, the coordinator from the Department of Education in Languages, played a pivotal role in the dictionary’s development. He organized a workshop to collect Kashmiri words with their Urdu and English meanings, ensuring a rigorous review process by the department’s faculty before sharing the content with the ECT & CS department.
Riyaz Ahmad Dar, Sr. Academic Officer of ECT & CS and the primary architect of the digital conversion, demonstrated the E-Dictionary’s user-friendly interface and functionality at the launch ceremony. The audience was captivated by the seamless translation of words, showcasing the potential of this digital tool to revolutionize language learning and cultural preservation in the region.
During the launch, Director SCERT-JK Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas commended the collaborative effort, particularly praising Mr. Riyaz Ahmad Dar, Mr. Shabir Hussain Shabir, and the faculty members of both departments for their tireless work in editing, reviewing, and finalizing the E-Dictionary. Special recognition was given to DEL and ECT & CS faculty, for their invaluable contributions in conceptualizing the E-Dictionary project.
The launch ceremony, held in the meeting hall of SCERT-JK’s Kashmir Division, was a testament to the project’s significance. Ham Raj Pakhroo, Joint Director SCERT-JK, joined virtually from Jammu, congratulating the team on their successful launch. The event was attended by a distinguished audience, including AU Heads I, II, III – Dr. Zahoor Ahmad and Mohammad Sultan Khan, DIET Principal Budgam Mr. Sanjeev Pandita, faculty from DIET Kulgam, and senior academic officers from Central and Divisional SCERT, among others.
As the E-Dictionary becomes available on the Google Play Store, it promises to be a game-changer in the field of language education and cultural preservation. This innovative tool not only facilitates language learning but also serves as a digital repository of Kashmir’s linguistic heritage, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
The launch of this E-Dictionary represents a significant step forward in SCERT-JK’s mission to integrate technology into education, making learning more engaging, accessible, and relevant in the digital age.
It stands as a shining example of how traditional knowledge and modern technology can be seamlessly blended to create powerful educational tools that transcend geographical and linguistic boundaries.
