Gujjars are one of the important tribes of the north-western India. In the Indian subcontinent they are spread over twelve states of India and are found in all the four provinces of Pakistan. Besides, their habitats are found in Afghanistan and Iran also.
Gujjars have a strong cultural identity. They have their own culture, custom, traditions folk-lore, ethnicity and five thousand year history at their back. The greater Gujrat which was called "Gujjar Ratha" (the kingdom of Gujjars) in history was ruled by Gujjars from fifth century to 11the century AD.
The great Gurjar-Pratihara rulers in north-western states of India during 6th to 11th centaury AD had built a number of buildings, forts, sculptures, temples, and other monuments of art. But hundreds of prestigious.
The Resouce Person Dr. Javaid Rahi presented an elaborated research paper about the cultural traditions of Gujjar community.He said that Gujjars are the semi-nomads found in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. They are more concentrated in Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and they are found in all the districts.
Dr.Javaid Rahi mentioned that Gujjar are rich in terms of Cultural Heritage. They have distinction over other identities of the Jammu & Kashmir so for as their Culture is concerned. Gujjar have their own language GOJRI which is an offshoot of Indo-Aryan language.
Their sweet Gojri language, melodious music, appealing folklores have earned a place of pride. Living in the lap of nature on the mountains, they are simple, stout and hard working community mainly engaged in dairy farming.
He said in his paper that Gujjar tribes play some musical instruments since times immemorial to create certain specific sounds of Music. Some instruments associated with them are part of their nomadic practices and some were adopted by them from other communities to add to their musical tradition.
While studying the musical practices popular among Gujjars, it has been found that they have their unique traditions. They hold distinct compositions and tunes which separate the Gojri music from Kashmiri, Dogri and Punjabi Music popular in Jammu and Kashmir.
All India Radio,Jammu oftenly organises Gojri Musical Concert in farflung tribals habitats to provide the platform of that area to exhibit their talent. Keeping alive this tradition All India Radio jammu organized an Ethnic Festival at Mahi Chak tribal habitat falling in Kathua District on 06-11-2019 before an invited audience.
The three hours long programme was organised in open air Complex ground to a jam packed audience who were thrilled by the presence of prominent poets as well as singers for the first time in their area. The event started at 11 A:M with the welcome address by the Programme Head of All India Radio Jammu, Ms.Renu Raina who briefly stated the motive behind such programmes is rededicated the Public Service Broadcaster to its audience spread far and across and also stressed upon the need of new fresh talent to use the forum of AIR to take their talent to every nook and corner of the Union Territory and it is an ambitious journey of taking Radio to the very door step of its listeners since last few months. In its endeavour to do so AIR Jammu has organized a series of programmes at various locations in Jammu region.
Ms. Kalsoom Akhter, the second resource person described the rituals, customs especially the about ornaments and dresses of the community. Their colorful dress, silver ornaments, living style and food habits are also distinct. She said that Radio is the only mass media that reaches every household for awareness among masses . In such unique efforts to take an institute to the far off places All India Radio Jammu takes the help of literary and other social organizations to broaden the umbrella of its reach and also to bring many more people under its fold.
Sh. Shokat Naseem highlighted in his poetic composition the patriotism, lifestyle, culture and traditions of tribal community. Later the Folk Music concert started and the audience were all hooked up to their seats and the artists who enthralled the crowd with their melodious music and compositions included, Bashir Mastana ,Muzamal Shah,Anisa Karim & Shadia Parveen with their famous folk songs. The officials of the civil administration, prominent citizens and people from all walks of life attended the event in large numbers and everyone appreciated this unique and noble venture of All India Radio Jammu. Sh. Rajesh Gupta and Sh. Sanjeev Sharma, Programme Executives from All India Radio, Jammu co-ordinated the entire programme. The whole event was conceived and ably managed by popular broadcaster and incharge Gori Section Sh. Hassan Perwaz, who also handled the stage professionally and set the Musical event into action.
Efforts like this go a long way in not only promoting the indigenous language and culture but harnessing the new potential and providing them with a National platform.
Contributed by :-Shri. Sanjeev Sharma PEX , AIR Jammu