Former Member Parliament Abdul Rashid Shaheen on Monday urged policymakers, regulatory bodies, and media stakeholders to recognize and institutionalize the inclusion of vernacular languages including Kashmiri in media policies.
In a statement issued here to KPS, Shaheen who is also chairman Urdu Press Club New Delhi, said that inclusion of the vernacular language in the era of rapid digital transformation and expanding media reach is not a privilege but a democratic necessity.
He underscored that vernacular languages like Kashmiri are the primary means of communication for large number of people.
Tall claims notwithstanding, he said, there is still very limited access to information in vernacular media.
He said that people can only participate meaningfully in public discourse when information is available in a language they comprehend. As such, he said, media in vernacular languages plays a key role in preserving indigenous knowledge, traditions, and identities.
He said whether in education, health, disaster communication, or elections, the access to accurate information in local languages saves lives and empowers communities and in turn nation.
Also it important to note that vernacular media fosters creative industries, local journalism, and community-driven storytelling.
He said that the policymakers, regulatory bodies, and media stakeholders must ensure definite quota and incentives for vernacular content including Kashmiri in both public and private broadcasting.
There is need to support community media and local journalism so as to ensure diversification of language, more so this day and age. He requested for ensuring digital inclusion by promoting vernacular content online, including on social media and government portals(KPS).
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