BGSBU to introduce elective course on Culture and Traditions of J&K.

GNSONLINE RAJOURI
SHYAM SOOD
RAJOURI, MAY 24:–In another major decision within a fortnight, the Vice-Chancellor (VC) of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) Rajouri has decided to offer an elective course on ‘Culture and Traditions of Jammu and Kashmir’.
Earlier, Prof. Akbar Masood, VC in a landmark decision has launched the Master’s Degree program in Pahari & Gojri languages (one subject).
The decision for a Master’s degree in Pahari & Gojri was widely hailed by the people across UT of J&K & Ladakh and the university has become the first in the country to introduce this course.
However, writers and intellectuals of the Gujjar Community expressed dismay for treating Gojri and Pahari as one subject.
They claimed that Gojri is a separate language having its own folklore, literature, and treasure of word-hoard which reflect the distinctiveness of the language and Gojri deserves a separate course of MA.
In a recently held meeting organised by the Tribal Research and Culture Foundation, the Gojri language intellectuals & writers have appealed to Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also Chancellor of BGSBU, to intervene in this matter.
On Tuesday, in a high power meeting, chaired by Prof. Akbar Masood, VC, BGSBU, the university has decided to offer an elective course on ‘Culture and Traditions of Jammu and Kashmir’.
This course will be available for the students from the forthcoming academic session.
BGSBU has earned the distinction of being the only University in the UT of J& K which is going to offer a four-credit elective course on the Culture and Traditions of Jammu and Kashmir.
“This course will offer an inspiring opportunity for the students to study the rich cultural heritage of J&K and will particularly be helpful for the students who wish to work in the heritage and creative industries,” said Prof. Masood.
“J&K is a panorama of plurality, with longstanding heterogeneous traditions and cultures that have been united in their diversity. This course has been designed to give an in-depth understanding of the culture and traditions of J&K to the younger generation and make them aware of the importance of preserving the heritage for future generations” he further said.