For publishing professionals, Hindko represents a microcosm of the opportunities and challenges associated with linguistic diversity.

In a country dominated by major languages like Urdu, Pashto, and Punjabi, the recognition of Hindko literature at Pakistan’s National Literary Award 2023 serves as a powerful reminder of the rich tapestry of lesser-known languages.

The Gandhara Hindko Academy, despite facing financial challenges, has emerged as a beacon for the preservation and promotion of Hindko – a language that is the second most widely spoken in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and the sixth main regional language of Pakistan.

Which got me wondering, aside from celebrating the Academy’s achievements, about the broader implications for global publishing professionals in the age of AI-driven translation and international reach.

Celebrating Hindko Literature

Two works published by the Gandhara Hindko Academy were honoured at the National Literary Award 2023:

Dr Khawar Chaudhry’s poetry collection “Bujhna Dewa” received the Sain Ahmad Ali Award.

Muhammad Akhtar Naeem’s travelogue “Qustuntuniya, Angoor Smyrna” was awarded the Khatir Ghaznavi Award.

These accolades highlight the literary richness of Hindko, a language often overshadowed by Pakistan’s more prominent tongues. The recognition is particularly significant given the Academy’s financial struggles, as it has operated without government funding since 2022.

The Gandhara Hindko Academy: A Legacy of Resilience

Established in 2015 under a public-private partnership between the Gandhara Hindko Board and the KP government, the Academy has been instrumental in preserving Hindko’s linguistic and cultural heritage. But since its removal from the Annual Development Plan (ADP) scheme in 2022, the Academy has relied on self-sustainability to continue its mission.

Over nearly three decades, the Gandhara Hindko Board has:

Published over 400 books in Hindko and other Pakistani languages, including poetry, prose, dictionaries, and historical works.

Produced literary magazines and journals to reach wider audiences, such as Hindko Adab, Surkhail, and The Gandhara Voice.

The View From The Beach

The Gandhara Hindko Academy’s achievements underscore the importance of investing in lesser-known languages. For publishing professionals, Hindko represents a microcosm of the opportunities and challenges associated with linguistic diversity:

Preservation and Promotion: The Academy’s work demonstrates how dedicated efforts can sustain endangered languages, offering valuable lessons for similar initiatives worldwide.

AI and Translation: In the age of AI, languages like Hindko can be opened up to global audiences through advanced translation technologies.

This creates opportunities for publishers to explore untapped markets and bring regional literature to international readers.

Cultural Enrichment: Publishing works in lesser-known languages enriches the global literary landscape, fostering cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.

This post first appeared in the TNPS LinkedIn newsfeed.