Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Kargil organized a Shina/Dardi Mushaira on 8th June at Academy Hall Baroo, Kargil. Haji Muhammad Shafi, Executive Councilor, LAHDC Kargil was the chief guest while as Secretary Red Cross Society Kashmir and senior Shina/Dardi scholar and poet Abdul Jabbar Chakat was the guest of honor on the occasion.

In his presidential remarks Haji Abdul Hamid Tanvir while appreciating the initiative of the Academy for organizing this poetic sitting exclusively devoted to Shina/Dardi language termed it as the first ever of its kind of a poetic event in Kargil District.

He underlined the importance of language in a community and said that literature is an integral component of it which needs to be preserved for posterity.

Abdul Jabbar Chakat expressed satisfaction over the variety of themes upon which the poets had based their compositions. Chakat said that language has a relationship of birth with a person, and it is language which is one of the parameters to determine the actual identity of a race. He said that a number of languages across the globe are at the verge of extinction today and since no serious steps are not being taken to ensure their promotion and preservation.

Haji Muhammad Shafi in his speech while terming the Shin/Dard race as brave and hardworking race recalled the age old ancestral morals and values for which they are known for. He underlined the need to maintain and restore these cherished values which are gradually taking a backseat in view of the changes in the mindset of the people in the present times of materialism and consumerism. Haji Muhammad Shafi expressed his commitment to give all possible support to the Academy from the Hill Council, Kargil enabling it to fulfill its mandate satisfactorily.

Welcoming the dignitaries, guests, poets and the audiences Muhammad Ali Tak Cultural Officer Kargil briefed about the initiatives being taken by the Academy for the preservation and promotion of Shina/Dardi language. He said that this Mushaira is the first ever of its kind held in District Kargil which is being organized with a twin aim- firstly to give impetus to the art of poetry in Shina/ Dardi language and secondly to let the Shina/Dardi poets across Kargil, Gurez as well as other areas to sit under one roof and exchange and express their fresh poetic pursuits in this language. Tak added that the process of promotion and preservation of Shina/Dardi language has gained extra momentum over the last couple of years with the sanction of a language section by the state government last year as well as the creation of one post of Assistant Editor and one post of Research Assistant. Tak added that further course of action in this matter is expected very soon.

He impressed upon the Shina/Dardi besides other poets and writers to take full benefit from the Academy schemes the detailed information.

Among others who were present on the occasion included poets, writers, district officers, school and college students, and a large number of general public. Nazir Hussain Special Officer for Cultural Activities G-1 delivered the vote of thanks at the end.