JU to open Gojri research Centre: VC Jmu Varsity

Jammu/March,30: As part of a series of language conferences recently launched by J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages, a 2-day conference on ‘Gojri Language: Past, Present and Future’ began here today with speakers highlighting the need for making the language more relevant to the present times. Earlier, the Academy held similar conferences on Punjabi Kashmiri and Dogri languages.
The  conference was inaugurated by Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Choudhary Zulfikar Ali while Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Abdul Ghani Kohli presided the inaugural session. Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Dr.  R.D. Sharma was the guest of honour.
In his address, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies  and Consumer Affairs, Choudhary Zulfikar Ali said that the government  was  keenly  involved  in  the  promotion  of  different  languages  including  Gojri that  are spoken  in  the  State. He said that all possible help will be extended to the Academy for promotion and development of Gojri language and culture. Lauding the efforts of Secretary JKAACL, Dr. Aziz Hajini, the minister said that Prof. Hajini had given a new lease of life to JKAACL as an institution.
Earlier while echoing similar remarks, Minister for Animal and Sheep Husbandry, Abdul Ghani Kohli said conferences such as these help a great deal in identifying issues and finding solutions and asked the writers and intellectuals to work in tandem for promotion and development of Gojri. He also lauded the efforts of Dr. Hajini in promoting and developing regional languages like Gojri.
Welcoming the participating writers, Secretary JKAACL, Dr. Aziz Hajini said that the Academy is actively engaged in the promotion of various languages including Gojri. The Gojri Conference, he said, was held with a view to afford opportunities of broader interaction to writers and intellectuals of the language. Dr. Hajini also announced holding of a major Gojri cultural festival in the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch besides Kangan in the coming months.
The keynote address was presented by Dr. Masoud A.  Choudhary, former Vice Chancellor, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University. In his thought provoking address lasting an hour, he spoke at length about the richness of Gojri language and the need to popularize it among the masses. He said that Gojri writers of Jammu & Kashmir must try to create a niche in the larger literary circles of the sub continent.
The announcement by Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. R.D. Sharma regarding opening of a Gojri research centre in the University was the major highlight of the event.
Responding to the observations of Masoud Choudhary, Prof. RD Sharma announced that he will take up the matter with the Government and will see to it that such a centre comes up in the University.
The conference formally began with a scintillating presentation of a Gojri song by Razia Ashraf who had been specially invited for the occasion.  The audience was delighted by her performance. In the evening, two paper reading sessions were also held. A book exhibition of the Academy’s Gojri publications was also organized at the venue.
The conference, which was moderated by Editor cum Cultural Officer, Gojri, Dr. Shahnawaz, will continue today (Friday) also.