As a part of celebration of “Dogri Maanata Din” Dogri Sanstha Jammu today honoured six prominent persons from the fields of Literature, Art and Journalism with Dogri Sanstha Sammaan- 2020 in an online function. Prof. Ashok Amia, Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Jammu was the Chief Guest on this occasion. Those who were conferred with
the Sammaan include: Gyaneshwar Sharma – a senior Dogri writer, Chaman Arora – a veteran short story writer, Smt. Santosh Sangra – a well-known theatre and radio artist and a senior Dogri writer, Deepak Kumar – a renowned theatre director, Ashok Sharma – a senior journalist and Dr Ratan Basotra -for having bagged the translation award from Sahitya
Akademi, New Delhi. The Sammaan carries a memento, a shawl and a citation. Prof. Veena Gupta, Vice-President of Dogri Sanstha read out the citations in respect of each of the honoured persons highlighting their achievements and contribution to their respective fields.
Prof. Aima, speaking after presentation of mementos in the function, appreciated Dogri Sanstha for honouring the persons who have great achievements to their credit in their areas of activities. He emphasized that the communities and societies which respect, honour and remember those who contribute to enrich their systems, societies and culture, are destined to progress and flourish. He said, in that sense, Sanstha is doing a commendable job in appreciating the contribution of these outstanding achievers. He said that Central University has also initiated many steps to promote and strengthen the Dogri language and literature. He congratulated all those who were honoured in the function.
Prof. Lalit Magotra, President of Dogri Sanstha Jammu, in his welcome address, laid stress on the importance of “Maanata Din”. He said that it was on this day that for the first time the country accorded the due respect to the Identity of the Dogras which they deserved for long. Elaborating further, he said that the basis of the Identity of a community is the “Mother tongue” of the people constituting that community. By including Dogri in the Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution, the Government of India recognised the Identity of Dogras. Dogras must celebrate this day as a festival.
Prof. Shashi Pathania, vice -president of Dogri Sanstha conducted and anchored the proceedings in a most professional manner. She also presented vote of thanks at the conclusion of the program. Pawan Verma provided the technical support for smooth functioning of the program.
