Dogri language is witnessing a new era of positive change through revolutionary initiatives taken by the government. Minister of State for Education, Technical Education, Culture and Tourism, Priya Sethi stated this during the commencement of Two-Day All India Dogri Writers’ Conference organized by JK Academy of ART, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) at Abhinav Theatre here today.Vice Chancellor, Central University, Jammu, Prof Ashok Aima, Secretary, JKAACL, Dr Aziz Hajini, Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Dr ArvinderSingh Amn, Dogri Veteran Writer, Narsingh Dev Jamwal, Prof Veena Gupta besides several prominent Dogri writers and artists were present on the occasion.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister lauded JKAACL for organizing the conference for bringing together the gems of Dogri literature under one roof. She said more such initiatives needs to be taken at state, national and international level to give Dogri the recognition it truly deserves.She further said that JKAACL is playing a vital role in promoting the regional languages in the state. Emphasizing on collective efforts, Priya said that every organization, writer, artist associated with the language needs to come together for its promotion and preservation.She congratulated Shiv Mehta and AutarKrishen 'Rahbar' who have won the prestigious SahityaAkademi Awards in Dogri and Kashmiri, respectively for this year.The song “MithriyeDogre Di BoliTe Khand Mithe Log Dogre" says it all about the language, the Minister said while adding that Dogri’s inclusion in 8th Schedule has given it impetus and it is a matter of pride that not only Dogras but other sections of people speaks the Dogri language fluently.
Priya said that those Dogra families living in other states are still continuing to speak Dogri and whenever they visit Jammu they to visit their Mohallas, converse in Dogri and also cherish the treasure of Dogra Architecture.She said Sahitya Academy Awardee like Kehar Singh Madukar, Shailender Singh, Dhyan Singh, other prominent names like Kavi Dattu, Professor Ram Nath Shastri and Padma Sachdev, organizations like Dogri Sanstha and Nami Dogri Sanstha can never be separated from Dogri and their contribution to promote language will never be forgotten.Names of Dogri Poets and writers like Champasharma, Ram Nath Shastri, Padma Sachdev, Ved Pal Deep, Mohan Lal Sapolia, Krishan Smailpuri, Kehar Singh Madhukar, Yash sharma, Surinder Sagar, DeshBanshu Dogra, Om Vidyarthi, Dr Om Goswami and Narsingh Dev deserves a special mention for their contributions in keeping Dogri alive and promoting it to the core, the Minister said.Referring to several artistic works, Priya said that more Dogri songs, Bhajans, Theatre plays, Movies needs to be produced to strike a chord with the masses.The Minister also proposed for organization of a special Dogri Literary Festivals wherein students and people of all communities from all regions should be involved.Appreciating the Dogri journalists, the Minister said that their role is exemplary in keeping Dogri alive and giving people a platform to share their write ups and poems besides other creative works.Members of JKAACL also hailed the government's step for creating 49 posts in Assistant Professor for Dogri.Documentary showcasing the work of JKAACL and releasing of Dogri books were the main highlights of the programme.