Shimla:
In a historic step toward preserving and promoting Himachali culture, the first-ever Pahadi digital dictionary has been officially launched by HIM Welfare Organisation in collaboration with HIM TV Media. This pioneering initiative marks a milestone not only for Himachal Pradesh but also for the broader “Pahari” cultural landscape across India.
The Pahadi digital dictionary aims to make learning the Pahadi language accessible to everyone, from native speakers to those interested in regional dialects, by translating common words from Hindi and English into various local Pahadi dialects. Since language varies significantly from district to district in Himachal Pradesh, the dictionary will incorporate synonyms and regional variations to address linguistic diversity.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Naresh Kumar Koundal, the founder of the Pahadi Himachali Dictionary project, said, “Our goal is to preserve the cultural identity of Himachal by making Pahadi language easy to learn and understand. With so many dialects changing across districts and villages, we are using synonymous words to ensure inclusivity.”
The dictionary is expected to serve as a valuable cultural and educational tool, helping schools, researchers, language learners and even tourists engage with Himachal’s rich linguistic heritage.
Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur lauded the initiative, calling it a landmark project for linguistic preservation. He stated, “This dictionary will play a significant role in promoting the Pahari language not just within India, but on international platforms as well. Dr Koundal and the HIM TV Media team deserve appreciation for taking this step.”
Sunil Chadha
