Dogra Sadar Sabha (DSS) has always remained in the forefront to bolster Dogri Art, Culture, Heritage and Language. It played the prime role in getting recognition of Dogri in the 8th Schedule by staging Dharnas and protests at New Delhi. The DSS celebrates this day to recall that success and as a promise to boost the Dogri language further.
DSS celebrated the 22nd anniversary of inclusion of Dogri Language in the 8th Schedule as ‘Dogri Manyata Diwas’ at the Sabha Bhawan, Dogra Hall, Jammu. The Chief Guest was Sh. Yudhvir Sethi, MLA Jammu-East. The programme started by lighting the traditional lamp followed by the welcome address by the DSS President Col Karan Singh. He stressed upon the importance of the Dogri language, and how youngsters are getting interested in the popular Dogri literature through social media and urged Dogri lovers to devote themselves in developing, promoting and popularizing the language by writing and producing quality literature in mother tongue.
The Chief Guest hailed the contribution of Th. Gulchain Singh Charak by successfully steering the struggle for inclusion of Dogri Language in the 8th schedule of the Constitution in 2003. A language can be boosted at its best by broadening its usage base thus enhancing its popularity- more among the younger generations. As a new unique initiative, a declamation contest was held in Sabha Bhawan on the topic “Dogri Bhasha Kal, Aaj te Kal – Ekk Manthan”. Teams from various schools and colleges participated. Shri A.K. Angurana (IAS) was the Chief Judge whereas Prof. Anita Billawria and Mrs. Uma Katal were the Co-Judges. In school category Pari Rajput Kartar Public School, Angel Gupta Humanity Public School, Drishika of Dogra Hr. Sec. School, Pallvi Shamra Rich Harvest School,&. won the First, Second, Third and Consolation prizes respectively and in college category Anirudh Sodhy of GGM Science College, Jatin Thapa of Dogra College of Education, Arushi Sharma of Women College Gandhi Nagar & Sohani Angral of Dogra Degree College won First, Second, Third and Consolation prizes respectively.
Shri. Sanjeev Verma IAS, Chief Electoral Officer J&K in his impressive and motivational speech applauded the efforts of the Dogra Sadar Sabha and emphasized the need for promoting Dogri language and literature among the young generation through institutions of learning. He exhorted the public to communicate in mother tongue Dogri. “Unless and until we don’t respect our languages we won’t be able to respect our culture and civilization and nation, ” he said. The occasion was also utilised to recognise and honour various personalities for their outstanding contribution in the promotion of Dogri language. These included Padamshree awardees Shri. Narsingh Dev Jamwal, Shri. Jatindra Udhampuri, Prof. Lalit Magotra, Prof.Shiv Dutt Nirmohi, Shri. Romalo Ram, Shri. Mohan Singh Salathia and several other intellectuals who made reckonable contribution in the promotion of Dogri Language, Literature, Art, Culture and Heritage.
Shri. Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Working President DSS, in his address highlighted the names of the people who were present in large numbers in the audience and were part of the strong delegation which successfully fought for the inclusion of Dogri Language in the 8th schedule and staged protests at New Delhi back then. Thanking all those who contributed to the struggle that lasted for decades, the Working President DSS, Shri. Gambhir Dev recalled how their efforts succeeded when Dogri along with Bodo, Maithali and Santhali were included in the 8th schedule on this day in 2003. Calling it an historical achievement by the stalwarts of DSS under the able leadership of Th. Gulchain Singh Charak, he said that it marked a new era of self respect and revived the dignity of this secular warrior race comprising all communities without distinction of religion, caste or region. The gathering of the eminent personalities present in the event demanded in unison the establishment of an independent academy for Dogri language and implementation of NEP 2020 guidelines pertaining to regional language in letter and spirit. They also demanded independent Dogri Satellite Channel (Duggar Channel).
That was followed by a short cultural programme. Dogri Mash up song was presented by Students of Rich Harvest School and Lambi Pakh was presented by Smt. Asha Kesar which left the audience spellbound.
Gen. Secretary Adv. H.C. Jalmeria presented the vote of thanks. Besides thanking all the participants, organisers and supporters he emphasized the necessity of preserving Dogri language.
The proceedings of the function were conducted by S. Arvinder Singh Amn and Janak Khajuria.
Among the prominent people who attended the event were Dr. Harish Kaila (Advocate), Mrs. Harpreet Kaur, Prof. Shushma Sharma, Yashpal Nirmal, , Chaman Lal, G.A. Khwaja, Amanat Ali Shah, Brig. M.S. Jamwal, Maj. Gen. Sunita Kapoor, Lt. Gen. Rakesh Sharma, Col (Dr) Virendra K Sahi, VrC, Brig. V.S. Dhiman, Jagdeep Singh, Chhankar Singh, Rajesh Sharma, Ganesh Dutt, Dharam Chand, Krishan Kumar, Madan Bhagat, Chajju Singh Katal, Bhavanyu Bhagat, Tanishq, Akhileshwar & others.
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