MT News Service
Jammu, December 22:
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.
Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation was the Chief Guest on the occasion and 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 a statement issued to mercury times, 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.
