Srinagar, Jan. 2 -- In a historical first, the school education board in Jammu and Kashmir (JKBOSE) has launched first-ever textbooks in Shina language, a Dardic language spoken by a small population in the valley. The textbooks, as a start, have been printed for primary classes 1st and 2nd, aimed to trigger a movement to preserve the language, whose speakers are diminishing. "In a landmark move to promote and preserve regional languages, the JKBOSE has announced the maiden publication of textbooks for the Shina language. The initiative aligns seamlessly with the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage (NCFFS) 2022," an official of the government said. NEP and NCFFS advocate for mother-tongue-based, multilingual and culturally responsive education at the foundational level. The two textbooks have already been printed and distributed, ensuring timely availability from the beginning of this academic year which starts from November-December. "The introduction of the Shina textbooks marks a milestone in JKBOSE's sustained efforts to mainstream indigenous languages in school education," the official said....