Sanjay Pandita : Editor Harmukh - A Quarterly of Kashmiri Sabha, Dehradun  

Time can be experienced indirectly in changes, brought about through its relationship with human beings and everything else, be it inanimate or animate; visible or invisible; static or in motion. So, time is present, but time in past and future exists in memories. The most ugly phase of time which exists in the minds of all Kashmiri Pandit community .living in exile, is the post exodus period when the challenge to preserve the identity under hostile conditions was a big question mark. It is not easy for a community to consolidate themselves when you are uprooted without knowing which destinations are good or bad for you because the decisions are taken in isolation and this is the greatest crisis a community faces in terms of staying connected to eachother. The net result of living in scattered places distances you from your language..culture and traditions becoz the environment and conditions are not in tune to your tastes as a result of which you simply adopt to the situations and mix with that culture where neither you are exposed to your culture nor to your language. The kashmiri pandit community through their own efforts have made honest endeavours to follow the traditions and culture of Kashmir which undoubtedly the younger generation has adopted .But the multi dollor question is can we succeed in preserving the culture and language ?our children are away from their parents doing wonderfully in their respective fields and the environment they are in is totally contrary to what we expect from them interms of their role in preserving, and following the culture, tradition and language which is essential for survival of the identity. There is no doubt that many organizations are working round the clock to create awareness among the youth regarding their prime role in spreading the message of preserving the culture and languag, and in this regard wherever the Kashmiri Pandits have got settled they have atleast made many community centers where every off and on they hold meetings celebrate festivals and try to stay connected with each other in all circumstances from celebrations to mourning.This is the only plateform where we express ourselves and acquint our posterity about our rich traditions and culture and importance of language. Despite over thirty years of migration we still follow our rituals and I have seen even many young children observing ashtami. enjoying khicdi mawas ,gad bat naavreh or shivratri with great zeal and ferver. So parents have a crucial role to play as they are the ones, who can carry it (Kashmiri language .tradition and rituals) on to the next generation. They need to realize the significance of the mother tongue and make serious efforts for its preservence. Moreover, the positive and collective approach of all individuals belonging to every section of society is decisive for future of the Kashmiri language and tardition. Let's us all take the initiative to protect our language, the integral part of our culture and identity. Otherwise if this vehicle of intangible cultural heritage is lost, it will have serious repercussions as it will be a closed chapter of history.

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed in the Article above are Sanjay Pandita’s personal views and kashmiribhatta.in is not responsible for the opinions expressed in the above article.

Courtesy: Harmukh - - A Quarterly of Kashmiri Sabha, Dehradun  : January to March, 2019  and  Sanjay Pandita : Editor Harmukh