In a grand function organized by Dogri Sanstha Jammu, twelve outstanding persons from the field of Literature, Art and Media who have made significant contributions to Dogri literature and culture were conferred with ‘Dogri Sanstha Sammaan.’ The occasion was the dual ‘Dogri Maanata Din’, the day Dogri was included in the 8th Schedule of
Indian Constitution and the closing function of the year long celebrations of Platinum Jubilee of Dogri Sanstha at the completion of 75 years of its formation.
Prof. Manoj K. Dhar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammy was the Chief Guest at the occasion. Those honoured with the conferment of ‘Dogri Sanstha Sammaan’ include veteran writers- Desh Bandhu Dogra Nutan, Jitendra Udhampuri, Prakash Premi, Om Goswami, Veena Gupta, Shashi Pathania, well known media persons & Artistes Anjali Sharma, O.P. Sharma, Nishi Kant Khajuria, Sham Sajan and Brij Mohan and the founder of Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust Poonam Jamwal for her singular contribution to promotion and development of Dogri literature and culture.
Other highlights of the celebrations include, screening of ‘Taraana’ of Dogri Sanstha, written and composed by Brij Mohan and a musical programme featuring Dogri Geets composed by Sham Sajan and sung by Gursharan Kaur, Mukti Oberoi, Amarjot Chauhan, Dr. Himja Mengi and Satveer Jamwal.
Prof. Manoj Dhar, in his address congratulated those honoured on this occasion and complimented them for their contributions to enrich the literature and culture of his region. He also appreciated Dogri Sanstha for recognizing and honouring those who excel in the field of Art, Literature, Culture & Media. He said that it is the least a society can do to pay its gratitude to those who raise the standards of society by instilling the finer human values and sensibilities through their works of Literature and Art. He said that J&K is privileged to have a multi dimensional, multiethnic pluralistic and vibrant culture, which all of us should feel proud of and should further strengthen. He assured that Jammu University is fully committed to the development and promotion of the rich culture of this region and will take all necessary steps in this direction.
Earlier, Prof. Lalit Magotra, in his welcome speech presented a glimpse of the momentous strides that Dogri Sanstha has taken since its inception in 1944. He also spoke on the significance of ‘Dogri Maanata Din’ while narrating the recent remarkable achievements in the field of Language and Literature. He also pointed out the difficulties faced by Dogri. He especially drew the attention towards the lack of efforts on the part of the Government to support this language in the areas of education and culture.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by General Secretary of Dogri Sanstha Dr. Nirmal Vinod and Gianeshwar Sharma, Vice President of Sanstha presented the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the programme.
The programme was attended by a galaxy of writers, intellectuals, students and prominent citizens.
