Mahinder Patyal
Bharmour : In a heartening initiative to preserve and promote regional heritage, the Government Girls Senior Secondary School in Bharmour, Himachal Pradesh, has introduced morning prayer assemblies in the local Gaddi dialect. This cultural revival is not only fostering linguistic pride among students but also deepening their connection to their roots.
The school has recently begun incorporating devotional hymns and prayers in Gaddi, a dialect spoken by the indigenous Gaddi community of the region. These prayers are more than just spiritual recitations—they are poetic reflections of the community’s values, traditions, and aspirations. Themes include reverence for village deities and ancestral goddesses, tributes to Vedic and divine traditions, and invocations to Goddess Saraswati for wisdom and enlightenment.
The prayers also emphasize moral teachings such as forgiveness, honesty, non-violence, and the rejection of deceit and corruption. Symbolically, they encourage students to transform from “drain water” to “pure Ganga water,” a metaphor for personal growth and purity of character. The verses are rich with cultural imagery and spiritual depth, offering students a daily reminder of their heritage and ethical responsibilities.
These soulful compositions have been crafted by Surender Patial, a TGT Arts teacher at the school, who is widely recognized for his contributions to preserving folk and devotional traditions through music. His lyrical style and deep understanding of Gaddi culture have helped shape a unique prayer experience that resonates with both students and faculty.
The school’s principal and teaching staff have wholeheartedly supported the initiative, encouraging students to participate actively and take pride in their linguistic identity. The effort is part of a broader movement to integrate local languages and traditions into the educational environment, ensuring that students grow up with a strong sense of cultural belonging.
Surender Patial’s work has previously been showcased across various Indian states, where he has left a lasting impression through his performances and cultural advocacy. His involvement in this school initiative is yet another testament to his dedication to enriching and preserving Himachal’s diverse heritage.
This initiative not only strengthens the cultural fabric of Bharmour but also sets an inspiring example for other schools in tribal and rural regions to embrace and celebrate their native languages and traditions.
