Srinagar: The Indian government’s renewed efforts to teach Sanskrit in the occupied state of Jammu and Kashmir have sparked widespread concern among Kashmiris, who worry about the loss of their indigenous language and culture amid increasing cultural imposition.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the latest initiative involves expanding traditional Sanskrit mobile schools across the occupied territories to promote learning of Sanskrit among the local population. The Kashmiri people have interpreted this effort as part of India’s larger strategy to deprive Kashmiris of their cultural identity.
Local residents believe that these actions are a deliberate attempt to undermine the Kashmiri language, culture and identity. They point out that although language development is crucial, the Modi government’s Sanskritization thrust ignores the cultural context and rich linguistic heritage of the region, where Kashmiri and Urdu have been spoken for centuries. This shift aims to replace local traditions with those more compatible with Hindutva ideology.
Observers note that these moves follow a broader pattern under BJP rule, which included revoking Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Articles 370 and 35A in 2019, as well as changing educational curricula to reduce the focus on Kashmiri history and identity.
The imposition of Sanskrit is seen as an extension of this approach, with critics seeing it as diverting resources away from promoting and preserving the indigenous Kashmiri language.
NC dedicated to restoring statehood to J&K: Surender Kumar
Deputy Chief Minister of the illegally occupied Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Surender Kumar Chaudhary, said the National Conference is dedicated to restoring statehood in the region, saying they do not consider Jammu and Kashmir a union territory but a state.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Surinder Kumar Chaudhary while talking to reporters said: “We are clear about our stand on restoration of statehood. We will continue to fight against the forces that downgraded Jammu and Kashmir to a union territory.”
He said Home Minister Amit Shah admitted in Parliament that lands and jobs in Jammu and Kashmir belong to its people. But protecting these elements requires a special status for the region, which seems to contradict his statement. In addition, he did not condemn the National Conference resolution calling for the restoration of special status to Jammu and Kashmir, he added.