New Delhi, October In a landmark cultural breakthrough, the Kashmiri language has been officially included in the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) framework, marking the first time that films made in the Valley’s native tongue will receive independent certification and national recognition. This historic development has been hailed as a proud moment for all Kashmiris, reaffirming their linguistic and cultural identity in the Indian film landscape.
This achievement is the result of dedicated and sustained efforts by a coalition of individuals, activists, filmmakers, Harmoney Clutural foundation and other cultural organizations, all championing Kashmiri language representation in cinema. The inclusion was made possible following the crucial intervention of Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, whose visionary leadership helped secure rightful recognition for the Kashmiri mother tongue at the national level.
At the forefront of this movement were the noted cultural activists Shri Chander Mohan Sharma and Shri Vinayak Razdan of “Search Kashmir.” Their tireless advocacy and persistent engagement with authorities placed the issue squarely in the spotlight. They were instrumental in pushing for formal CBFC inclusion, highlighting the barriers Kashmiri-language filmmakers faced and ensuring the language’s rightful place was acknowledged.
Chairman of the Kashmir Film Society, Mushtaq Bala, also played a vital role in galvanizing the film community and liaising with film certification authorities. His long-standing commitment to Kashmiri culture and cinema, combined with his strategic coordination, provided a strong institutional voice that helped push this landmark change forward. Reflecting on the achievement, Bala remarked, “The inclusion of Kashmiri in the CBFC framework is a recognition of not only a language but an entire way of life, an identity. It is a proud moment for every Kashmiri who cherishes their heritage and dreams of telling their story through the medium of cinema.”
The campaign received additional momentum from young filmmakers Siddharth Koul and Ankit Wali, whose film Batt Koch brought Kashmiri cinema into the national limelight and underscored the urgency of institutional recognition.
Furthermore, Adbee Markaz Kamraz J&K, alongside the Social Responsibility Cell of Kashmir Pen, worked closely with government bodies to advocate for Kashmiri language rights, ensuring the issue maintained its prominence throughout the policy formulation process.
This milestone transcends bureaucracy—it is an affirmation of Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage and linguistic identity. It guarantees future generations of Kashmiri filmmakers the autonomy and support needed to create in their mother tongue, standing proudly alongside films in other recognized Indian languages.
Cultural organizations, artists, and scholars across Jammu and Kashmir have celebrated this milestone, anticipating that it will encourage new Kashmiri-language cinematic projects, foster language preservation, and bolster the broader goal of protecting local cultural heritage.
For the Kashmiri community, the recognition of their language by the CBFC framework is a collective triumph, born of perseverance, unity, and the relentless dedication of individuals like Shri Chander Mohan Sharma, Shri Vinayak Razdan, Mushtaq Bala, and many others. It stands as a proud testament to the power of collaboration in safeguarding and celebrating Kashmiri identity and culture.
