The 19th Dogri Bhasha Manyata Divas (Dogri Recognition Day) was celebrated by
Dogra Sadar Sabha, J&K, Jammu here today with great reverence and honour to
the mother tongue of the region. A Dogri Bhasha Kavi Sammelan (poetic
recitation meet) was organised as the main event of the celebrations which was
attended by large number of participants from all over Jammu province including
representatives of different religious and social organizations under Covid-19
guidelines.
Shri Chander Mohan Gupta, Hon’ble Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation was
the Chief Guest on the occasion and Smt. Poornima Sharma, Dy. Mayor was the
Guest of Honour. Proceedings were chaired by Shri Gulchain Singh Charak,
President of the Sabha.
Prominent Dogri poets who recited their poems reflecting various aspects of
contemporary life, human desires, Dogra chivalry, culture and traditions included
Sarvashri Sham Sajan, Puran Chand Sharma, Randhir Singh Rajpuria, Vijaya
Thakur, Kewal Krishan Kewal, Suhail Begana, Bishan Singh Dardi, Gian Singh
(Dr.), Sunita Bhadwal, Sushma Rani, Mulkh Raj Bhamagi (Dr.). Asha Kesar, the
prominent Paakh singer of the Dogra belt mesmerized the audience by
demonstrating impeccable command and control over her melodious voice which
added grace to this traditional style of Dogra folk singing.
In his address, the Mayor, Jammu eulogized the role played by Dogra Sadar
Sabha in facilitating inclusion of Dogri language in 8th Schedule of Indian
Constitution. He commended the poets, writers and speakers of Dogri whose role
in promoting, enrichment and preservation of the language was outstanding. He
assured the participants that JMC will spare no effort in coming to the
expectations of the people in fulfilling demands raised by the Sabha for
preservation, promotion and assertion of Dogra Art, culture, heritage and history
and its appropriate display. Both, the Mayor and Dy. Mayor assured the house of
full support of all the 75 members of Jammu Municipal Corporation in ensuring
fulfillment of the demands of DSS regarding prominently naming and beautifying
General Zorawar Singh Chowk and adjoining General Zorawar Singh Park with
Glow-signs, removing obstruction in movement of people along the road in front
of main gates of Civil Secretariat, Jammu, beautification and rejuvenation of Raja
Jambulochan Memorial near Shri Ranbireshwar Temple Chowk befitting its
cultural and historical significance and not allowing parking of security vehicles
at the Raja Jambulochan Memorial since these camouflage this site depicting
history of Jammu and heritage. They also assured that steps will be taken to
facilitate free access of visitors to historical Gandhi Bhawan building near civil
Secretariat and remove idle parking there.
Earlier in his presidential address, Th. Gulchain Singh Charak, President, DSS,
complemented the torch bearers of Dogri language, including the writers, artists,
film personalities and social activists who have selflessly dedicated themselves
for preservation and promotion of this rich language. On behalf of the Sabha, he
demanded establishment of Dogri Satellite Channel, beautification and
upgradation of places of historical and cultural importance like Raja
Jambulochan Memorial near Shri Ranbireshwar Temple Chowk and General
Zorawar Singh Chowk besides free movement of people along the road in front of
main gates of Civil Secretariat. He said that there is a need to teach Dogri
language to the children, starting from homes by parents and by teachers in
schools and educational institutions. Scientific, technical, historical, literature in
Dogri must be prepared, promoted and popularised through print and electronic
media of all kinds for coming generations.
In the end, various resolutions regarding demand for solution of crucial problems
being faced by people of Jammu region were adopted by the house unanimously.
Welcome and Keynote was presented by Th. Gambhir Singh Charak and the
programme was anchored by Shri Janak Khajuria. Vote of thanks was presented
by Col. (Ret.) Karan Singh Jamwal. Prominent among others who spoke during
the celebrations included Maj. Gen. (Retd.) G.S. Jamwal, AVSM, Lt. Gen. (Retd.)
R.K. Sharma, Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Mrs. Sunita Kapoor, Prof. R.D. Sharma (Ex. Vice
Chancellor), Ms. Bhanu Gupta, Corporator, Jb. Abdul Majid, President, Muslim
Federation, Jammu, Shri Yash Paul Gupta, President, FRAJ, Mrs. Seema Sehgal,
Brig. (Retd.) M.S. Jamwal, Kunwar Samar Dev Singh, Dr. Vidya Sagar and Shri
C.M. Sharma.
