Kashmiri language is extremely rich. But the problem of poor readership is making it difficult for people to understand the Kashmiri literature in its real perspective. Unfortunately the treasure of knowledge and information written in Kashmiri does not reach the people. In fact it is not the fault of its writers or of the system if this literary treasure remains unexplored. That is because of the people’s irresponsible attitude and lack of interest which they have been showing toward their culture and language. An average Kashmiri is least bothered about his language and its script. He has almost turned indifferent towards his language and culture. Though they comfortably speak and understand this language, but when it reaches them in a written form, they get confused and feel uncomfortable to read it. With the result the glorious writings by Kashmiri scholars and philosophers go mostly unnoticed. Hundreds of good Kashmiri books are published every year but what is observed is that hardly any of these are read by people. We all often miss these books because they are written in Kashmir, which should not have been the case. As such we are deprived of going through this treasure and information which is highly valuable.
There are certain important books which I feel should have been read by common Kashmiris.
Kaashur Imla tu Amyuk Irtiqa authored by veteran Kashmiri writer Syed Rasool Pompur, who passed away recently, is one such book which every Kashmiri must read. It is purely a scientific study of Kashmir orthography and its evolution. Here, for the first time the Kashmiri dictation and its script have been dealt in a distinctive manner. The book provides us the in-depth study of evolution and development of Kashmiri script in a historical perspective. The author has given a vivid picture of the Kashmiri script and its importance. It is a descriptive analysis of this language and its script which has been developed from its antiquity. Sharda, Kashur, Roman and Devenagri scripts have been for the first time mentioned so accurately.
Kashmiri timings and numericals are the other aspects which have been discussed so nicely.
In his book Pompur Sahib has attempted to give us a holistic view of the literary treasure in Kashmiri. In its chapters he has exposed the myths and apprehensions and urged the Kashmiri writers to join hands in removing the obstructions in the way of development of this language and its script.
For the promotion of Kashmiri language and script, the author has put forth his valuable suggestions in a broader perspective. He urges Kashmiri writers to be flexible. Basically the aim of the critic should be constructive criticism. Pompur Sahib has shown enough calibre and sincerity in writing this book.
Prof Shafi Shouq former Head of Department of Kashmiri at the University of Kashmir has described the book as a valuable research work and endorses the views expressed by the author. He writes: “I am happy that Syed Rasool Pompur in his literary accounts has not adopted a tough and strict approach and also does not believe in this theory. He advocates that in writing one should be flexible in its dictation because it is also a healthy trend in Kashmiri literature.”
Muhammad Yousuf Taing, an authority on Kashmiri language and literature has written foreword of the book and congratulated the author on producing this wonderful work. He has described Pompur sahib as a writer of repute who through his research works has been enriching the Kashmiri literature.
At a time when our culture and language is facing a great threat from the external forces, the authors like Pompur Sahib come to our rescue.
The nations which care for their history and language are the real civilized nations. Arabs, Iranians, Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, Chinese, Japanese and few other advanced countries have always taken due care of their respective identities. Romans, which once controlled most of the ancient world, carried their home language to wherever they went. Almost all coins and epigraphs of that period found in sub-continent areas are in Greek scripts.
It is not bad to welcome the new traditions but that should not be done at cost of our own culture. It has been observed that many people dislike their own culture and language and have been following new cultural trends. Why should we hate our culture and language? We should rather develop it.
Besides promoting written aspect of our language, it is important to promote and encourage its spoken word. We should revive its classical terminology and various names which were very familiar in our homes.
I have gone through the chapters of the book Kaashur Imla Tu Amyuk Irtiqa. The author has really done a wonderful job. It is a must read for everyone.

Name of the Book: Kaashur Imla Tu Amyuk Irtiqa
Author: Syed Rasool Pompur
Publishing House: Pagaah Publishers, Bijbehara Kashmir
Year of Publication: 2011
Pages 232

Lastupdate on : Wed, 11 May 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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