My visit to Kashmir is what drew me into spreading the Kashmiri language. Many of my Kashmiri American friends lack the ability, often even the interest, in speaking their mother tounge. I seek to change the perception that Kashmiri is a dying language, one seemingly not impactful in a Kashmiri American's life. To me, a decreasing population of active speakers does not justify disdain to learn Kashmiri and its culture. As a child of those who fled their home, I, too, feel a sense of a detached culture. The language, only spoken within the confines of my immediate family. Very few people know about Kashmir’s violent history, and fewer realize the impact on the diaspora. My exposure from the Kashmiri Valley instilled a sense of fervor to learn and teach Kashmiri, an effort laced with admiration and devotion. 

— Teelak Badshah

Current Student at University of California, Los Angeles