A delegation of prominent members of the Sikh community today called on National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra at the party headquarters at Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, and presented a memorandum seeking inclusion of Punjabi language, in Gurmukhi script, among the officially recognized languages of Jammu and Kashmir. It was organized by Sardar Jatinder Singh Lucky. The delegation apprised Sadhotra of the aspirations of the Sikh community regarding preservation and promotion of Punjabi and Gurmukhi, which, they said, formed an important part of the linguistic and cultural heritage of the region. They urged the National Conference leadership to take up the matter with the appropriate authorities and work towards fulfilment of the long-pending demand.
Sadhotra said the National Conference had always remained committed to respecting the linguistic, cultural and social diversity of Jammu and Kashmir and ensuring that the aspirations of all sections of society were adequately represented. He said the party’s commitment to Punjabi and Gurmukhi was clearly reflected in its election manifesto.
Referring to the specific provisions concerning minorities and regional cultures, he said the National Conference had explicitly committed that it would “advocate for the inclusion of Gurmukhi/Punjabi language to preserve and promote it.” “This is a clear and conscious commitment of the National Conference. We recognise the importance of Punjabi and Gurmukhi as an integral part of the cultural and linguistic heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. Every language carries the history, traditions, literature and collective memory of its people, and no language should be allowed to lose its rightful place,” Sadhotra said.
He said Jammu and Kashmir had always been known for its pluralistic ethos, where different communities, languages and traditions had enriched the social fabric of the region. Preservation of linguistic diversity, he added, was therefore essential for preserving the composite cultural identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
Sadhotra said the demand for inclusion of Punjabi/Gurmukhi deserved serious consideration in the larger interest of linguistic justice and cultural preservation. He assured the delegation that the National Conference would continue to push the issue in accordance with its manifesto commitment.
“Language is much more than a means of communication. It is the carrier of culture and identity. Punjabi, with its rich literary tradition and Gurmukhi script, has a deep connection with the Sikh community and an important place in the cultural mosaic of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
He emphasised that the National Conference believed in taking all sections of society along and respecting their legitimate aspirations. The party, he said, would continue to raise issues concerning different communities and regions through democratic and constitutional means.
Sadhotra said constructive engagement with community representatives was important for understanding their concerns and taking them forward. Mohd Ayoub Malik Provincial Secretary and Ch Naresh Kumar Bittu were also present. Prominent member of delegation are Tarlochan Singh, Parvinder Singh, Balvinder Singh, Ajaib Singh, Jagjeet Singh, Gurmeet Singh, Charanjeet Singh, Deedar Singh, Sanmukh Singh, Gurdeep Singh, Sewa Singh, Kamaljeet Singh, Tejinder Singh, Binder Pal Singh, Inderpal Singh,
Amritpal Singh, Gurdev Singh, Gurprashad Singh, Bhopinder Singh, Harmohinder Singh. A delegation of Prominents from Sikh Community met Additional General Secretary National Conference and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhtora and presented a Memorandum for inclusion of Punjabi/Gurmukhi in the officially recognized languages at NC office Gandhi Nagar Jammu.