Each year on 21st February, the world celebrates International Mother Language Day to promote linguistic diversity and encourage people to speak and preserve their mother tongues at home, in workplaces, and in society. In Srinagar, this year’s celebration was marked with remarkable enthusiasm and cultural vibrancy. A grand provincial-level literary event was organized at Tagore Hall by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. The event witnessed the participation of eminent litterateurs, poets, and authors from across the Valley. A special poetry session was also held, where distinguished poets captivated the audience with their soulful and thought-provoking verses. During the programme, speakers strongly reiterated that every possible step—at individual, societal, and governmental levels—would be taken to promote and preserve the Kashmiri language and literature, safeguarding its centuries-old legacy and rich heritage. Similar celebrations were organized at district and tehsil levels, as well as in various educational institutions.

When we speak of our mother tongue, Kashmiri, it is not merely a language or a medium of communication; it is our collective identity. As the noted Kashmiri writer Amin Kamil rightly said:

“Kashri sith chhi Kashir sari nata; waranik hearan kaaw”

(Through Kashmiri we are bound together as Kashmiris; otherwise, we would be like bewildered crows scattered in the wilderness.). This year’s celebration will be especially remembered for the release of a thematic Tarana (anthemic poem). Written years ago by the versatile poet and academician Shad Ramzan, the Tarana was formally released on International Mother Language Day to commemorate the glorious heritage of the Kashmiri language. The musical composition was crafted by noted vocalist Waheed Jeelani, while its production was undertaken by the legendary writer, broadcaster, and poet Dr. Rafiq Masoodi. The videographic backdrop of the song is mesmerizing and deeply evocative, capturing the scenic beauty and emotional depth of Kashmir, thereby enchanting both hearts and minds. Unlike conventional songs performed by one or two singers, this masterpiece stands apart. Many leading literary figures of the Valley contributed to its recitation and release. Among them were Dr. Satish Vimal, Shahi Mumtaz, Raja Bilal, Prof. Naseem Shifayi, and Shazia Bashir, alongside Shad Ramzan and Waheed Jeelani. This collective artistic endeavor beautifully symbolizes unity, cultural pride, and a shared commitment to preserving the Kashmiri language for generations to come. Bea Kashir Zaban Chas ( I am the Kashmiri language) is a prominent and beautiful Tarana (anthem poem) in the Kashmiri language written by renowned poet Shad Ramzan. It serves as a profound tribute to the Kashmiri language and culture. According to Shad Ramzan, Kashmiri language has been blessed with the crown of prosperity and has inherited the grandeur of knowledge. It carries centuries of dignity within it's bosom and it's melodies echo across ages. It holds within it the fragrance of flowers and carries the colours of culture and tradition. It speaks with sweetness and elegance and is adorned with intellectual and poetic reflection. Sages and saints have drawn enlightenment and it is enriched by guides and spiritual masters. It is filled with wisdom and lofty thought and nurtures refined and elevated minds. It echoes in valleys and towering mountains and flows like a river in lyrical expression. It's words shimmer with beauty and it's voice is both melodious and pure. It preserves heritage and identity and safeguards culture and tradition. It unites hearts in love and harmony and stands as a symbol of collective pride. It carries the legacy of thought and awareness and shapes understanding and consciousness. That is why he praises it with utmost devotion, honor and with heartfelt admiration. With the release of this masterpiece tarana, the glory and rich cultural heritage of the Kashmiri language are set to reach a much wider readership and earn well-deserved accolades across the globe. Its production and composition have been executed with such meticulous care and artistic brilliance that within minutes of its release, it began circulating widely across various social media platforms. Literary circles as well as common listeners showered praise upon the author, producers, and composers alike. The diction of the tarana is undoubtedly profound and intellectually demanding. Rendering such poetic brilliance into a compelling musical composition was no small challenge. Yet, under the able leadership and creative vision of Dr. Rafiq Masoodi and Waheed Jeelani, it has been produced and composed with remarkable finesse and aesthetic excellence. History reminds us that Ahista Ahista by Janbaz Kishtwari did not initially gain widespread popularity until it was melodiously rendered by Samad Sofi and Gulzar Ganie. Likewise, one hopes that Shad Ramzan’s Kashmiri language tarana will now attain the recognition it truly deserves, having been given voice by noted literary figures and elevated through the masterful production and composition of Dr. Rafiq Masoodi and Waheed Jeelani. May this artistic endeavour continue to illuminate and celebrate the timeless beauty of the Kashmiri language.

  Email:---------------------rayeeskumar31@gmail.com