Minister advocates establishment of tribal languages centre at JU

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs Javed Ahmed Rana has called for the establishment of a Tribal Languages Centre at Jammu University. His remarks came during a seminar that explored the deep linguistic and cultural connections between Gojri and Urdu.

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Addressing a gathering at the event, which was organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) in collaboration with the Department of Urdu, Jammu University, the minister emphasised the need for dedicated research, documentation and promotion of tribal languages in Jammu and Kashmir.

The seminar’s inaugural session was presided over by Prof Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor of Jammu University, and was attended by Prof Shohab Inayat Malik, Head of the Urdu Department, Dr Javaid Rahi, Divisional Head of JKAACL, along with renowned researchers and scholars.

In his address, the minister commended the Urdu Department for organising discussions on such an important topic. He described Gojri as one of the major languages spoken across Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting its historical significance and its linguistic influence on Urdu and other regional languages. Drawing from historical texts such as the Mahabharata and Ramayana, he cited instances where Gojri words have been used, underscoring its deep cultural roots.

Speaking about the rich heritage of the Gujjar community, the minister noted that Urdu, too, has been shaped by Gujjar culture, language and traditions. Given the large number of people in J&K who speak and write in these languages, he strongly advocated for the establishment of Gujjar and Pahari cultural centres at Jammu University. He assured full support from the Tribal Affairs Department to facilitate their creation.

The minister further proposed the formation of a dedicated Research Committee to study the life, culture and linguistic heritage of the Gujjar community worldwide.

During the event, V-C Prof Umesh Rai announced that interviews for the already advertised posts in Gojri and Dogri would be conducted soon. He also confirmed that the university would establish functional centres for Pahari and Gojri languages in the near future and highlighted the significance of the DYD degree being offered by Jammu University.