Rana Holds Interaction with Tribal Writers and Scholars to Promote Tribal Literature and Cultural Heritage

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

JAMMU MARCH 11:-Minister for Tribal Affairs, Jammu and Kashmir, Javed Ahmed Rana, convened a meeting of tribal writers, poets and scholars to deliberate on measures for promotion of tribal literature, preservation of cultural heritage and documentation of traditional knowledge systems of tribal communities in the Union Territory.

The meeting brought together several prominent literary and cultural figures associated with tribal communities. Among those present were noted tribal scholar, Chief Editor Gojri JKAACL, Dr. Javed Rahi, literary personality Hassan Parwaz, Chairman Gujjar Desh Charitable Trust (GDCT) Arshad Choudhary, besides other writers, poets, artists and cultural activists.

Dr Abdul Khabir, Deputy Director Tribal Affairs Jammu and Nodal Officer, Tribal Research Institute (TRI) J&K, also participated in the deliberations and shared the institutional initiatives being undertaken by the Tribal Affairs Department for documentation, research and promotion of tribal culture and literature.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on the need to strengthen literary activities among tribal communities and to provide institutional support for writers working in tribal languages. Participants emphasized the importance of preserving the rich cultural and intellectual traditions of tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir.

The participants highlighted that tribal literature and oral traditions represent a valuable repository of community history, migratory traditions, folklore and indigenous knowledge systems. It was suggested that systematic research and documentation should be undertaken to record nomadic routes, traditional pastoral practices, folk narratives and indigenous medicinal knowledge, which form an important part of tribal life.

Several writers also stressed the need to provide financial and institutional support for publication of books authored by tribal writers, including assistance for printing and dissemination so that tribal literature reaches a wider audience.

The meeting also discussed organizing literary conferences, seminars and critical review sessions to encourage scholarly engagement and strengthen intellectual discourse among tribal writers and researchers. Participants suggested that platforms should be created where writers, poets and artists from tribal communities can interact, present their work and exchange ideas.

Another important suggestion that emerged during the interaction was the creation of a comprehensive directory of tribal writers, poets, artists and cultural practitioners in Jammu and Kashmir. Such a directory would help in building networks among cultural practitioners and facilitate collaboration in research and literary initiatives.

Participants also proposed the promotion of cultural expressions such as theatre, drama, films and documentaries based on tribal themes, which can help bring tribal narratives, traditions and lived experiences to a wider audience.

Issues relating to digitization of tribal literature and manuscripts, preservation of traditional costumes, cultural expressions and indigenous games and greater academic engagement with tribal languages, particularly Gojri, were also discussed during the meeting.

The need to collaborate with educational institutions for incorporating tribal language and cultural studies in academic spaces was also highlighted. Participants emphasized that such initiatives would help strengthen awareness about tribal heritage among younger generations.

Speaking during the meeting, Sh. Javed Ahmed Rana appreciated the role played by tribal writers, poets and scholars in safeguarding the cultural identity of tribal communities. He said that the government remains committed to supporting initiatives aimed at documenting and promoting tribal culture, literature and traditional knowledge systems.

The Minister emphasized that the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) J&K will continue to serve as a key platform for research, documentation and intellectual engagement related to tribal communities and encouraged writers and scholars to actively collaborate with the institute in taking forward cultural and literary initiatives.

The meeting concluded with a shared resolve to work collectively for strengthening tribal literature, promoting cultural documentation and preserving the diverse heritage of tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir.