Jammu Jan 29,2021: On the launching ceremony www.bhalessa.com a web portal to highlight and disseminate the centuries-old socio-cultural heritage of Bhalessa, the resident of the erstwhile Doda region have demanded opening of the Bhalessi, Bhaderwahi, Saraji, Padri, Pogli, Khasha, Gaddi language sections in J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages under the existing Pahari wing as they also speak Western Pahari-as per classification of languages done by GA Grierson in the First and for most Linguistic Survey of India.
The website was inaugurated by Manir Ul Islam Secretary, Jammu, and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL). The website is covering Tourism, Education, Culture, social and civic issues of the area.
A delegation of prominent personalities also submitted a memo to Secretary demanded the recognition of these dialects in the existing wing of Pahari in the Academy.
While welcoming the guests present at the launch ceremony Sadaket Malik President Bhalessa Heritage Centre said that the website will not only highlight the Language the cultural and social issues of Bhalessa but it will also boost the tourism and education and other civic issues of the area.
He said this portal will also work for the promotion of Western Pahari dialects/ languages of Chenab valley especially Bhalessi, Badherwahi, Sarazi, Padri , Pogli , Khasha, Gaddi with a focus on Bhalessi and its diverse cultural heritage, lushgreen uplands areas of Bhalessa as well.
He added that this web-portal will act as a charitable site for promotion and emancipation of cultural values, socio economic aspects of the area.
He said that the communities which speak these Pahari dialects/ languages deserve special attention of Government of J&K with regard to the promotion of language, culture and other developmental aspects.
The Secretary JKAACL Munir ul Islam appreciated the efforts of Bhalessa Heritage Centre for highlighting the Cultural Heritage of Bhalessa. He said this web portal will help to highlight the Bhalessa area which has produced many dignitaries. Regarding the opening of Bhalessi language section under existing Pahari wing Secretary Academy said that he will take up the matter with Higher ups shortly.
Those who spoke include Abdul Majeed Bichoo, Alhaj Ghulam Nabi Wani, Bharat Bhushan, Bilal Bhalessi , Kher Mohammed,Talseem Wani, Shiv Narayan Singh Chib, Asif Iqbal, Fozia Mughal, Yassir Wani, Arshad Jahangeer, Manzoor Ahmed Katoch, Arshad Hussain, Pervaiz Batt and others.
