UGC holds review meeting of ‘Bharatiya Bhasha Samvardhan Samiti-II’

Ganderbal, Sept 28: A review meeting of the Bharatiya Bhasha Samvardhan Samiti-BBSS-II (Kashmiri) was held in virtual mode on Friday, which was convened by Dr. Archana Thakur, Joint Secretary of the University Grants Commission (UGC).
The meeting was commenced by Central University of Kashmir, Vice-Chancellor and Nodal Officer for BBSS-II (Kashmiri), Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, who welcomed the attendees and outlined the objectives of the session.
The Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, established under NEP 2020, promotes the development of over 270 Indian languages in education by creating textbooks, integrating technology, and making content more accessible. It encourages collaboration across sectors, aims to improve learning through native languages, and celebrates Bharatiya Bhasha Divas annually to explore employment opportunities for language students. The BBSS-II will identify potential authors for writing textbooks in Kashmiri and coordinate with the UGC to ensure the development of quality learning materials. This initiative aims to strengthen the use of Kashmiri as a medium of instruction in higher education and preserve the region’s linguistic heritage.
Addressing the participants, Shri Deepak Shrivastav, Vice-Chairperson, UGC, emphasized the importance of promoting the Kashmiri language in educational institutions throughout Jammu and Kashmir. He reiterated the objectives of BBSS-II, which include developing curriculum frameworks for Kashmiri language and literature, as well as preserving Kashmiri cultural heritage through language, literature, and art. Shri Shrivastav noted that these goals align with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, adding that “UGC is committed to promote India’s rich linguistic diversity, with the Kashmiri language being an integral part.”
Vice-Chancellors from various universities participated in the meeting, asking for clarifications and interacting with the UGC leadership. In addition to Dr. Chandan Srivastav from the BBS UGC team, the meeting was also attended by Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, Nodal University Coordinator & Member University Coordinators.
In the meeting, it was discussed that the next steps would involve preparing a template for book proposals, identifying potential authors, and soliciting proposals. Additionally, efforts will focus on developing learning materials and resources for the Kashmiri language. Workshops and events will be organized to guide authors, and there will be collaboration with educational institutions to integrate Kashmiri into their curriculums.
The meeting concluded on a very positive note by Dr. Archana Thakur, affirming UGC’s commitment to support initiatives that preserve and promote Indian languages, including Kashmiri, as part of BBSS-II activities.