Gilgit, a region known for its breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage, is grappling with alarming climatic changes, as highlighted during a seminar organized to mark International Mother Language Day. For the past three years, Gilgit has experienced significantly less rainfall and snowfall, a stark contrast to previous decades when the region was blanketed in heavy snow during winter. This worrying trend was a central focus of the event, which emphasized the critical role of indigenous languages in understanding and addressing climate change.
The seminar, organized by the Sasken Research and Development Foundation in collaboration with Climate Guardians Pakistan, WWF Pakistan, Global Shapers Community Gilgit Hub, and the Tourism Department of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), brought together poets, writers, environmentalists, and policymakers. The event was held under the theme inspired by UNESCO’s declaration of 2022–2032 as the Decade of Indigenous Languages, which underscores the importance of preserving indigenous languages to tackle global challenges like climate change.
Eiman Shah, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister of GB, opened the discussion by highlighting the drastic changes in the region’s climate. “For three consecutive years, Gilgit has received less rainfall and snowfall. This is not just a seasonal anomaly but a clear sign of climate change,” she said. Shah stressed that indigenous languages, which carry centuries-old ecological wisdom, are essential for developing sustainable solutions to these challenges. Shah also lamented the deforestation of valleys that were once covered in thick forests, attributing these changes to climate change and human activity.
Zameer Abbas, Secretary of the Tourism and Culture Department, echoed these concerns, pointing out that the reduced snowfall has led to the unprecedented visibility of mountain peaks in winter. Abbas creatively linked language and ecology by reciting the poetry of Jan Ali, a legendary Shina poet, whose works often reference local bird species. He emphasized how regional poetry and literature can serve as repositories of ecological knowledge.
Israr ud Din Israr, a prominent writer and human right activist, shed light on the traditional calendar of Gilgit-Baltistan, which is deeply connected to climatic patterns. He explained how this calendar, rooted in indigenous knowledge, has historically guided agricultural and cultural practices. However, he warned that the rapid changes in climate are rendering this traditional wisdom less reliable, calling for a revival of regional languages to preserve such knowledge.
Aziz Ali Dad, a noted writer and philosopher, emphasized the need for collective efforts to promote regional languages. He argued that integrating these languages into the educational syllabus would not only preserve cultural heritage but also foster a deeper connection between the younger generation and their environment.
The event also featured powerful contributions from local poets, who expressed their concerns about climate change through their verses. They highlighted the emotional and cultural toll of environmental degradation, urging the community to take action. The poets’ works resonated with the audience, blending the beauty of language with the urgency of ecological preservation.
Speakers unanimously called for reducing the use of inorganic materials and adopting sustainable practices to mitigate climate change. They also stressed the importance of documenting and promoting regional languages, which hold the key to understanding and addressing environmental challenges.
The seminar concluded with a resolve to continue efforts to preserve both linguistic diversity and the environment. By integrating regional languages into education and environmental policies, Gilgit-Baltistan can harness its rich linguistic heritage to combat the pressing issue of climate change.
The event served as a poignant reminder that the fight against climate change is deeply intertwined with the preservation of cultural and linguistic diversity. As Gilgit-Baltistan faces unprecedented environmental challenges, its indigenous languages may hold the wisdom needed to navigate an uncertain future.
BY
“Faheem Akhtar”
