Paddar and Padri : Preserving endangered language

Sadaket Malik

Paddar Valley, located in the extreme north of Pangi in the Kishtwar District of Jammu & Kashmir, is characterized by its mountainous terrain and unique linguistic and cultural features. The Paddari language, belonging to the Indo-Aryan language family, serves as the mother tongue for the residents of Paddar Tehsil. The linguistic landscape of Paddar is diverse, with pure Paddari spoken in rural areas, where residents have limited contact with other languages. However, in urban areas, the language has been influenced by various linguistic elements, including Urdu, Hindi, Pahari, Kashmiri, Bhaderwahi, Lahauli, and Ladakhi.

The Paddari language, spoken in over 30 sparsely located villages, faces challenges in terms of connectivity to city centers. These villages often have minimal or no connectivity, contributing to the preservation of pure Paddari in rural settings. Unfortunately, the number of Paddari speakers is dwindling, with fewer than 3000 individuals considering it their mother tongue. The decline is attributed to the increasing adoption of more dominant languages for better regional connectivity.

Despite the linguistic challenges, Paddar Valley boasts rich natural resources and abundant vegetation, making agriculture the primary occupation of the locals. The valley is home to several ancient Hindu temples, revered for their age and significance. One such site, Michail Yatra, serves as a famous pilgrimage destination, attracting a large number of Hindu followers annually.

While the majority of the population in Paddar Valley follows Hinduism, there is also a Muslim community present in the region. The coexistence of different religious communities adds to the cultural diversity of Paddar. The agricultural landscape, coupled with the religious significance of the temples, shapes the daily lives and traditions of the inhabitants.

Regrettably, the declining number of Paddari speakers and the influence of other languages pose a threat to the preservation of this unique linguistic and cultural heritage. Efforts to document and revitalize the Paddari language, perhaps through the development of recorded literature, can play a crucial role in maintaining the distinct identity of the Paddar Valley and its people. The adoption of the Devanagari script for writing the language reflects a contemporary effort to standardize and formalize its written form, providing a potential avenue for language preservation.

 

Preserving Padri: A Call to Action for the Survival of a Dying Dialect

 

The Paddar valley, nestled in the district of Kishtwar on the southeastern border of Jammu and Kashmir, is home to the endangered Padri dialect. As a child dialect of the Bhaderwahi group, which also includes Bhaderwahi and Bhalesvi, Padri stands at the crossroads of linguistic vulnerability. With its roots in the Indian Indo-Aryan language family, Padri is facing an alarming decline, threatening not only its existence but also eroding the cultural fabric it is intricately woven into.

The current status of the Padri dialect paints a grim picture, with fewer than 15,000 native speakers, and the number steadily decreasing. The threat of extinction looms large, especially in the past two decades, sounding an urgent call for action. The Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India, rightly recognized the critical status of Padri by categorizing it as vulnerable in 2014.

A survey conducted in 2015 by scholars from the Department of Linguistic Studies at the University of Kashmir further illuminated the crisis. The findings reveal a stark decline in the use of Padri across various domains. While 70% of the population speaks Padri at home, the language's presence in schools, markets, and religious spaces is diminishing. Factors contributing to this decline range from migration for education and job opportunities, globalization, the influence of dominant languages, to the lack of intergenerational transmission.

The loss of Padri extends beyond a linguistic concern; it threatens the very identity and cultural richness of the community. The impending extinction of Padri represents a loss of social identity, impacting values, self-image, and relationships. The dialect serves as a treasure trove of historical information, holding within its words the stories, ideas, and traditions that shape the community's understanding of its past and present.

To reverse this trend and preserve the linguistic and cultural heritage embodied in Padri, concerted efforts are required at multiple levels. Community-based organizations, including student wings, must unite, shedding egos for a common cause. Government agencies should take proactive steps to ensure the survival of the dialect. Here are some actionable steps to undertake:

1. Language Documentation: Encourage linguists and community members to document Padri through recordings, creating a multilingual dictionary, and compiling a grammar guide.

2. Education Programs: Introduce Padri into school curricula, providing resources for teachers and integrating the language into various subjects.

3. Media and Technology: Develop content in Padri for radio, television, and online platforms to reach a wider audience and instill pride in the language.

4. Cultural Events: Organize festivals and events celebrating Padri language and heritage to raise awareness and attract support.

5. Inter-generational Programs: Facilitate programs that bridge the generation gap, promoting interaction between elders and younger community members.

6. Government Policies: Advocate for policies supporting endangered language preservation, including language-inclusive education policies and funding for revitalization programs.

7. Collaboration with NGOs: Seek collaboration with NGOs specializing in language preservation, tapping into their experience and resources.

8. International Collaboration: Explore opportunities for collaboration with international organizations and linguistic communities facing similar challenges.

9. Promotion of Bilingualism: Encourage bilingualism, ensuring proficiency in both the dominant language and Padri.

10. Lobbying for Language Rights: Advocate for the recognition and protection of linguistic rights, emphasizing the importance of linguistic diversity as a cultural and human right.

 

In conclusion, the survival of Padri is not just a linguistic concern but a collective responsibility to safeguard the cultural richness and identity of the Paddar valley community. The urgency of action cannot be overstated, as the extinction of Padri would mean the irretrievable loss of a unique linguistic and cultural heritage. It is time for community-based organizations, government bodies, and international partners to join hands in a concerted effort to ensure that the echoes of Padri continue to resonate through the generations to come.