Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Arts Culture and Languages held a daylong seminar on the topic ‘Ladakhi language; challenges and opportunities’ on 22 May at Auditorium Cultural Academy. EC Agriculture Sonam Dorje was the Chief Guest at the occasion.

The event was divided in two sections in which scholars and experts presented their views and ideas on different assigned topics. Professor Jamyang Gyaltson spoke on the topic Meaning and importance of grammar text of Bhoti,Dr. Nawang Tsering on the topic Bhoti language and its inclusion in the 8th Schedule of Indian constitution, Sheikh Mohd Javed Zubdavi presented his view on the topic need and importance of knowing Ladakhi language, Khenchen Tsewang Rigzin was assigned the topic Ladakhi language, challenges and opportunities, Venerable Thupstan Paldan spoke about reason for claiming Ladakhi a complete language and Zain-ul-Abidin talked about the importance of Bhoti language.

EC Agriculture Sonam Dorje said that LAHDC Leh has always made every effort to play a good role in the preserving of our culture and language. “I appreciate and congratulate this department for holding such an event.  People are now realizing the importance of learning Bhoti language. It is important that special sessions and classes should be held to teach those who are interested in learning Bhoti language and LAHDC Leh would provide all possible help to make it successful,” he said.
While welcoming all the dignitaries and participants Cultural Officer Leh Tsewang Paljor highlighted about creating awareness among the people in general and youth in particular about the importance of culture and Bhoti language. He announced that this year a programme would be held on ‘youth and cultural talk’ wherein school students would be invited and two guests will give sessions on the said topic.

All the speakers while presenting their views and reciting their poems stressed on the need of creating awareness and finding possible solutions about why the language needs to be preserved. They believed that until and unless children are encouraged to speak in their native language, they would not be able to learn it. It was also mentioned that the inclusion of Bhoti in the 8th Schedule would help the students to attempt papers of civil services, PSC/UPSC in our own mother tongue. The speakers further added that it is the responsibility of all to contribute in making Bhoti language to be included in the 8th schedule early.
 
The programme concluded with a light music that enchanted the audiences.