This language, strange to the younger generation of Suchwant Singh, is native to the octogenarian couple who migrated from Muzaffarabad, now under the control of Pakistan, along with thousands of other families in 1947 following mass tribal invasions. Sadly, language is only one of several other things that the couple struggled to save and pass on to their younger generations, with little success. The youngsters have given in to the dominant host culture and blended in over the years, much like millions of other refugees across the world, sociologists point out.
"As we could not preserve our language and culture under the influence of the dominant host culture, these have become completely alien to the younger generations," said Suchwant Singh.
About forty thousand Pahari-speaking families with different linguistic dialects, including Poonchi, Mirpuri and Muzafarabadi, fled their homeland during the war of 1947 and settled in different areas across the Jammu region. The migration not only forced them to face a plethora of challenges at the economic front but also inflicted on them what, in sociological terms, is referred to as a 'cultural shock.'
"It is hard to internalize the values of an alien culture particularly when you are in no way prepared for it. 1947 robbed us not only sociologically and economically but culturally too," rued Suchwant, remembering the days when they began to settle into the different milieu they found themselves in.
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According to Dr. Sapna K. Sanghra, Assistant Professor, Jammu University, the problem of cultural erosion is found among all refugees of the world. When they are suddenly introduced into a new culture they receive a 'cultural shock'. After resisting it in the beginning they tend to adapt to it gradually. Both material as well as non-material culture stands affected.
This has harmed the rich language and culture of approximately 12.5 lakh PoK refugees residing across the Jammu region, bringing it dangerously close to oblivion. However, there are people investing their efforts to save their culture and conserve it for the future generations.
Swami Antar Nirav, a young poet residing in the border village of R.S. Pura in Jammu, has spent ten years of his life to the process of creating a dictionary of his indigenous Pahari language. The task of compiling the words with a particular focus on the endangered ones was taken up more than a decade ago by Swaran Singh, a renowned poet and former Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu and Kashmir but it was not completed owing to his sudden death. Since then, Swami Antar Nirav has been working on it, hoping to complete it soon.
The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages has supported the cause. Its Chief Editor for Pahari Language, Farooq Mirza said that work on compiling a Pahari Dictionary is in process and they expected to soon come out with three volumes of Pahari Dictionary.
To preserve and promote the Pahari language and culture, the University Council had approved a Pahari Research Centre for Jammu University in 2009 but work on this project is yet to take off. "A committee was constituted that submitted a proposal to the government regarding the grant of funds for the infrastructure and faculty of the centre but as of now, we have received no official reply from the Government," said M.P.S Ishar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu.
While only the second generation of POK refugees is able to speak their indigenous tongue, a great change has swept over their social ceremonies like marriages, religion and family institutions with all of their customs, folk songs, folklores and anecdotes well-nigh vanishing from their culture.
Once known for their interesting features, their marriage ceremonies have now acquired an altogether different form. Their marriage ceremonies would usually commence with 'Miti'- a ceremony when neighbors were invited to give the houses of bride and groom a thorough cleaning. It was followed by other ceremonies like husking the rice and welcoming the guests on the day of the marriage. On every occasion, women would sing a particular folk song that was unique to their culture.
'Dosti Chadhana' was an important custom followed by the family of the groom that involved giving a rousing welcome to one of the closest friends of groom, who would act as best man, amid drumbeats and trumpets. Besides, poetic genres like Sattnian and Kainchi (epigrams and ballads) were sung with great enthusiasm at the marriage parties. "The local culture has put a great deal of impact on our marriage institution. Now we solemnize our marriages in an altogether a different manner, -more or less like the locals here. Our young generation is completely unaware about their folk songs and folklores," said Jagjeet Singh Sudan, a POK refugee and Convener, Movement for Justice for Refugee of 1947. He added that a part of their culture, particularly non- material, had vanished completely.
The Charkha Development Communication network feels that the religious institution of POK refugees has also undergone a tremendous change. They have started observing Karwa chauth, a sunrise to sundown fast that Hindu women observe for the longevity of their husbands. In lieu of Karwa chauth, the women of the family would keep a fast called Dhrubri for the good health of the menfolk shortly before the harvesting of Kharief crops.
"All our social institutions are drastically different today as it was not possible to keep the invasion of the local culture at bay. A part of our culture, however small, has survived in the face of all odds, among a few isolated refugee camps across Jammu. If the government pays heed now, it can be saved," said Om Prakash, member MJR 47, humming a couplet of a nearly-forgotten Kainchi:
Lagi Kainchi Dila Go to
Dil Marha Tang hai-ee
This scissor has cut my heart off.
Now it hurts me awfully.)
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