Media can help promote Hindi language: Prof Punjabi

Srinagar, Apr 17: The Kashmir University vice-chancellor, Prof Riyaz Punjabi on Friday asserted that media can play a pivotal role in promotion of Hindi language in Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking at the 2-day national-level seminar on “Role of Media in Promotion of Hindi”, Prof Punjabi said, “Media can help a lot in promoting the language by raising the issues confronting its promotion and the measures that need be taken in this regard.”

The seminar is being organized by the varsity’s department of Hindi. Prominent academics from in and outside the state are participating in it.

Prof Punjabi, who presided over the seminar, ruled out the apprehensions that Hindia was not being promoted in Jammu and Kashmir. “90 percent students in our schools study Hindi,” he said. “It is a misunderstanding that Hindi is not being promoted in the Valley.’

Prof Punjabi however said much needed be done to promote the language at several levels. “We have to examine how media can play a role in promoting the language. And in promoting it, it is very important for everyone to see what perspective he or she has about a particular language,” he said.

The seminar was attended by senior KU officials and academics, including the register, Prof S Fayaz Ahmad.

The chairman of Kashmir Times Group of Publications, Ved Bhasin, called for a “change in mindset” of Hindi press for promotion of the language. “It is unfortunate that the Hindi press in India, except for few occasions, has not contributed much to the promotion of the language,” he said. “Though several newspapers at one moment in time played pivotal role in promotion of Hindi, but over the years, the standard of Hindi press has declined, though the circulation and get up of newspapers has improved considerably.”

Bhasin, the chief guest, however said that films have significantly contributed to the promotion of Hindi language.

The Director, Doordarshan Kendra, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi said Hindi could be promoted through serials and films. However he said, the Hindi script writers have to strictly adhere to the structure of the language. “Writers can play a very important role in promoting the language through the medium of films. Because whatever is presented through films comes from the writers first,” Masoodi, who was the special guest, said.

The head of the Hindi Department, Prof Zohra Afzal, gave an overview of the status of Hindi language in the Valley, and the measures that need be taken to promote it in a better way. “Earlier we would not have many students to study Hindi, but now the number if thankfully increasing,” she said while highlighting the importance of the seminar. The main objective of the seminar is to upgrade the Hindi Language in the Kashmir valley. It will also encourage our new generations to opt Hindi Journalism as career said “said Prof Zohar Afzal the seminar coordinator

The seminar is being attended by eminent experts and scholars from Delhi, Aligarh, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Vishakhapatm & Jammu, The seminar was attended by eminent experts, Journalists and scholars from Delhi, Aligarh, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Vishakhapatm & Jammu. About thirteen research papers will be read during the two day seminar. (NAK)