BGSBU Organizes National Seminar on the Role of Regional Languages in Nation-Building with NEP 2020

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

RAJOURI FEB 19:-Department of English, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University successfully organized a National Seminar on “The Role of Regional Languages in Nation-Building with Respect to NEP 2020” in collaboration with Bhartiya Bhasha Samiti, Ministry of Education, Government of India.

In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Jawaid Iqbal stated stated that NEP 2020 has marked a significant change in India’s education system by emphasizing multilingualism and the promotion of regional languages. Prof. Iqbal emphasized that Universities must take the lead in implementing NEP 2020’s vision by encouraging research, curriculum development, and academic discourse in regional languages, ensuring their sustained relevance in the globalized world.

Prof. Jawaid said that such academic initiatives will motivate faculty members to come up with vibrant academic activities that contribute to research, innovation, and interdisciplinary collaborations. He mentioned that BGSBU remains committed to promoting regional languages as a cornerstone of India’s cultural and intellectual heritage. He announced that University is going to open to Department of Hindi and Department of Sanskrit, besides starting FUYP programs in various departments of the University including the college of Engineering and Technology.

Chamu Krishna Shastry, Chairman, Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti, in his video message commended BGSBU for hosting this seminar on a subject of national importance. He underscored the vision of NEP 2020 in promoting multilingual education and stressed the need for collective efforts to strengthen regional languages as pillars of India’s knowledge ecosystem. Shastry also emphasized that language is the foundation of cultural identity and intellectual empowerment, urging universities to take a leading role in promoting linguistic inclusivity and research.

Eminent linguist Prof. R.C. Sharma from the Department of Linguistics, University of Delhi, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and shared insights on language as a powerful tool for thought, creativity, and policymaking. In his address, Prof. Sharma appreciated BGSBU for organizing the seminar on a theme of national importance, acknowledging the university’s commitment to promoting regional languages as a driving force for educational and socio-economic development.

Prof. Shreedhar Mishra, Director, Central Sanskrit University, Jammu, in his address, appreciated BGSBU for organizing this significant academic initiative and highlighted the importance of Rashtriya Bhasha in nation-building, cultural preservation, and knowledge dissemination.

Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma, IAS, Registrar, BGSBU, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the role of regional languages in effective administration and governance. He highlighted the need for policies that promote linguistic inclusivity, ensuring that regional languages remain relevant in public discourse, governance, and higher education. He mentioned that Universities can play pivotal role in promoting and preserving the local languages through continuous research and discourse.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. M.J. Warsi, Dean Academic Affairs, BGSBU, and Seminar Director, highlighted the intrinsic link between language and cognitive development, stressing that regional languages play a crucial role in enhancing innovation, governance, and social cohesion. He further noted that the seminar aimed to address the challenges posed by linguistic diversity and explore ways to balance language preservation with global integration.

Mr. Sudhanshu Bhushan, Bhartiya Bhasha Smiti graced the occasion with his presence and commended the efforts of the BGSB University in organising the seminar.

In his address Mr. Mohd Farooq Muztar Founder HEM Rajouri appreciated BGSBU for organizing this seminar on such a crucial theme, acknowledging the university’s commitment to academic excellence and linguistic diversity.

Mr. Qayoom Mir Administrator Auqaf Rajouri while speaking on the occasion lauded BGSBU for its commitment to academic excellence and its efforts in promoting regional languages through such an important seminar.

On the occasion, two books authored by Dr. A.A. Shah & Dr. Mushtaq Siddiqui, and Prof. Rafiq Anjum were also released, adding to the academic significance of the event. The book release was widely appreciated, reflecting BGSBU’s commitment to fostering research and literary contributions in regional languages.

The seminar witnessed the participation of prominent educationists, Associate Deans, Heads and Coordinators of various departments, research scholars, and students from the university, fostering a rich academic exchange on language and national development.

Dr. Mariya Aslam, Head, Department of English, and Coordinator of the Seminar delivered the welcome address.She emphasized the importance of regional languages in fostering inclusive education, cultural preservation, and national progress, highlighting the seminar’s alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, Assistant Professor, Department of English, conducted the proceedings of the day, ensuring the smooth flow of discussions and presentations.

Dr. Shams Kamal Anjum Head Department of Arabic for proposed the vote of thanks. The event featured insightful discussions, paper presentations, and interactive sessions focusing on leveraging linguistic diversity for national progress. Scholars and researchers presented papers in Hindi, English, Urdu, Gojri, Pahari, and other Indian languages, reflecting the rich linguistic diversity of India.