Indian Army Launches Community Radio to Preserve Dard-Shina Language

New Delhi, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: The Indian Army has launched the Shina Gilgit Community Radio Station in Gurez Valley, located in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district. This initiative aims to promote the Dard-Shina language, preserve the region’s cultural heritage, and strengthen community outreach in this remote border area. The establishment of the radio station is a significant step towards safeguarding the linguistic diversity of the region, which is home to a vibrant tapestry of languages and cultures.

Situated in Dawar beneath the iconic Haba Khatoon Peak, the community radio station broadcasts programs primarily in Dard-Shina and Hindi. Its content focuses on various topics, including government welfare schemes, employment, education, healthcare, folk traditions, social awareness, and other issues of public interest. The choice of languages reflects the demographic composition of the area, allowing the station to reach a broader audience while prioritizing the local dialect.

The initiative seeks to preserve the Dard-Shina language while promoting the region’s rich culture, music, and traditions. By broadcasting predominantly in Dard-Shina, the station encourages the local community—particularly younger generations—to continue using and preserving their mother tongue. This is particularly important in a time when globalization and urbanization often lead to the erosion of indigenous languages.

Moreover, the community radio station has created new opportunities for local women to participate in public communication by serving as radio jockeys. This empowerment of women in media roles is a notable aspect of the initiative, as it not only promotes gender equality but also ensures that diverse voices are represented in the community’s narrative. Wahida, a radio jockey, expressed the station’s mission to keep the Dard-Shina language alive through regular broadcasts. She emphasized that the language can survive only if it continues to be spoken and used in everyday life, highlighting the importance of active engagement in language preservation.

Approximately three-fourths of Gurez’s population speaks Dard-Shina as their mother tongue. However, the increasing use of Urdu, Kashmiri, and digital platforms in education and tourism has contributed to a gradual decline in the language’s everyday use among younger generations. This shift has raised concerns among linguists and cultural advocates about the potential extinction of the Dard-Shina language, which is rich in history and cultural significance.

The Dard community in Gurez, which has a population of around 37,000 to 38,000, has preserved the language for centuries. The community's resilience in maintaining its linguistic heritage is commendable, especially in the face of external pressures. Across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the number of native Shina speakers is estimated to be around 50,000, indicating a small but vital linguistic group that contributes to the region's diversity.

Since Dard-Shina has traditionally been an oral language, initiatives such as the Shina Gilgit Community Radio Station play a crucial role in preserving and promoting the region’s linguistic and cultural heritage. The radio station not only serves as a platform for entertainment and education but also acts as a repository of local folklore, music, and traditions that might otherwise be lost. By documenting and broadcasting these elements, the station reinforces community identity and fosters a sense of pride among the residents.

The significance of community radio in promoting local languages cannot be overstated. Community radio stations often operate on a grassroots level, allowing them to address local issues directly and engage with the community in a meaningful way. In the case of Gurez, the Shina Gilgit Community Radio Station provides an invaluable service by creating a space where local voices can be heard and where community members can share their stories, experiences, and cultural practices.

Furthermore, the establishment of the radio station aligns with broader efforts by the Indian government and various non-governmental organizations to promote linguistic diversity and cultural preservation across the country. Several initiatives have been launched to document and revitalize endangered languages, recognizing that language is a key component of cultural identity. The Shina Gilgit Community Radio Station complements these efforts by actively engaging the community in language preservation.

In addition to language preservation, the radio station's focus on social issues such as health, education, and employment reflects a commitment to improving the quality of life for residents in Gurez. By disseminating information about government welfare schemes and educational opportunities, the station empowers listeners to make informed decisions that can positively impact their lives. This multifaceted approach not only promotes the Dard-Shina language but also fosters community development and social cohesion.

As the Shina Gilgit Community Radio Station begins its broadcasts, it represents a beacon of hope for the Dard community in Gurez. The initiative exemplifies how local resources can be harnessed to address contemporary challenges while celebrating and preserving cultural heritage. In a world where many languages are at risk of disappearing, the radio station stands as a testament to the power of community action and the importance of nurturing linguistic diversity.

In conclusion, the launch of the Shina Gilgit Community Radio Station by the Indian Army is a significant step towards preserving the Dard-Shina language and promoting the cultural heritage of the Gurez Valley. By providing a platform for local voices and fostering community engagement, the station not only contributes to the survival of a language but also enhances the overall well-being of the community. As the station continues to operate, it will be essential to monitor its impact on language preservation and community development, ensuring that the rich cultural tapestry of Gurez is maintained for future generations.