Trying to preserve their language and culture from extinction, a group of social workers is organising a Koshur-speaking contest on December 26. The event will provide a platform to displaced Pandit children to test their Kashmiri speaking skills.
The major attraction of the event will be the recitation of poems in Kashmiri language by children, mostly born in Jammu after their migration in 1990. They will share their knowledge about the name of the historic places, religious sites and names of saints and political leaders. There will be a presentation by folk artiste Laddi Shah and recital of ‘Lal Vaks’ by youngsters.
“The event is open for children in the age group of 3 to 7 years, 7 to 11 years and 11 to 14 years. On-the-spot registration is also available,” said Ramesh Razdan, one of the organisers of the event.
Students will also receive different cash prizes. The events will be organised at Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, Bohri, Buta Nagar camp and Jagti camp for the Pandits.
A programme titled ‘Kashir Kalakar’, a talent hunt, is also being organised. It is aimed at connecting the new generation of the Pandit community with the roots of Kashmir.