N. N. Vohra, Governor, conferred Dogra Ratan Awards-2012 to five prominent personalities for their exceptional contributions in varied fields at a function held at Jammu Club, here today.The recipients of the Dogra Ratan Awards include Hony. Capt. S. Bana Singh, PVC; Prof. Zahur-ud-Din Zahur, eminent Urdu writer; Mr. Ravinder Jamwal, reputed sculptor; Mr. Amit Dutta, noted film maker; and Mr. Vijay Kumar Chopra, Editor-in-Chief, Punjab Kesari Group of Newspapers, Jalandhar. The Award to Mr. Chopra was received by Mr. Balram Saini, Bureau Chief, Punjab Kesari, J&K.The Awards instituted by the Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History comprised a plaque, a framed citation and a shawl.Speaking on the occasion, the Governor observed that the Jammu region has produced many prominent personalities who have made outstanding contributions in the field of art, culture, literature, law, journalism and varied other fields. He said that this region and the adjoining areas of Himachal Pradesh and Punjab have remained an important catchment area for the Army and other two Defence Services and, besides, for the Central Para-Military Forces and the State Police. He observed that this extended region has produced a very large number of Army officers and men whose valourous deeds have brought laurels to the State and the country. In this context, he referred, among today’s awardees, to Hony. Capt. Bana Singh, the recipient of Param Vir Chakra, and to the scores of other highly decorated gallant officers and men who had made commendable contributions in maintaining the territorial integrity of the country. He noted that Dogras have a long history and saga of bravery and valour.
The Governor emphasized the need to protect and promote our languages and literature, which portray history and carry forward our invaluable heritage. In this context, he referred to the initiatives being taken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for the promotion of Dogri language and literature for which a committee has been set up under the chairmanship of Dr. S. S. Bloeria, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, and the other initiative for the revival and showcasing of the traditional performing art forms of the areas around Trikuta Hills and other adjoining districts which was being done by Mr. Balwant Thakur, Director Natrang.Referring to the proposal for setting up a Cultural Centre at Jammu, as stated by Prof. Bhim Singh, Convenor, Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History, the Governor observed that it should be planned in such a manner that it provides support to the coming generations to showcase our composite cultural heritage.
The Governor interacted with the recipients of the Dogra Ratan Awards and congratulated them for their contributions in the various fields.The Governor was honoured on this occasion by the Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History by presenting to him a memento.Prof. Bhim Singh, Convenor of the Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History, dwelt on the contributions of today’s Awardees in the varied arenas. He thanked the Governor for being the Chief Guest at the Awards presentation function.Mr. Justice (Retd) K. K. Gupta, Vice Chairman, Dogra Ratan Awards Committee, in his welcome address, spoke about the aims and objectives of instituting the Dogra Ratan Awards.Prof. Champa Sharma, a known Dogri writer, presented a Vote of Thanks.Prof. M. P. S. Ishar, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University; Mr. Navin K. Choudhary, Principal Secretary to the Governor; members of the Dogra Ratan Awards Committee, a galaxy of former Army officers, intellectuals, writers, representatives of trade and industry and prominent persons from various walks of life were present on this occasion.