JK News Today Exclusive
Srinagar, May 19: Kashmir college students have been involved in the G20 meeting in Srinagar in an unimaginable way. They will act as translators , interpreters and also liaison for the delegates from all the G20 countries visiting Kashmir to attend the grouping’s deliberations on tourism for three-days from May 22 . More than anything else they will be the brand ambassadors of their land , language and culture to the delegates .
These students , drawn from various colleges in the Valley, well-versed with the foreign languages and etiquettes , will accompany the delegates , almost like shadows , doing everything to make it easy for them to understand things and local culture better .. They have been chosen for their knowledge of foreign languages, communication skills , and conducting themselves in a manner suiting prestige of the event , which is being held for the first time in Kashmir in its post-independence history .
The college students will get a rare opportunity to display their communication skills and serving as interface for their land and culture with the visiting delegates . Sources said that the students were very happy for their selection for this highly prestigious assignment as it will add to their portfolio of being participants in the international event, and that too, of such a high magnitude .
The G 20 delegates represent some of English- speaking countries , like the United States, the UK , Australia , Canada , but other countries , France, China , Germany , Russia , Japan , Italy, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and others love to converse in the languages with which they have proficiency .
Kashmiri students are keen learners of foreign languages and they are also well-versed in communicating with foreign visitors . This is a unique thing to the place, where they have learned to act as translators and interpreters in a natural way over the decades. As Kashmir used to be a prime destination of various nationalities , the natives have a natural skill to learn the art of learning and communicating in their languages. They are also aware hoe the diplomats are to be conducted . The ambassadors of various countries, even during the 30-year-long violent conflict in Kashmir, visited the Valley . Apart from their official briefings, they interacted with the natives – even the commoners – houseboat owners, hotel staff , and shiakra ( luxury boat ) rowers .
Kashmiri students have been involved in the whole exercise to bring them closer to the world which is going to promote Kashmir not only as a tourist destination , but also carry back impressions about the people . In fact, these college students will serve as brand ambassadors of Kashmir.
