Nidhi Soni
Jammu Ten years ago, what began as a quiet tribute to a poet has grown into a cultural movement that is reshaping Jammu’s literary and artistic identity. The Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust (KVMT), founded in memory of Group Captain Randhir Singh “Kunwar Viyogi”, the youngest recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award and Father of Dogri Sonnets, today stands at the forefront of reviving Dogri language, nurturing talent, and taking regional culture to a national and global stage.
The Poet Who Became a Movement
Kunwar Viyogi was more than a writer – he was a creative genius who transformed Dogri literature by introducing the sonnet form, a poetic structure previously unknown to the language. With over 300 Dogri sonnets and more than 2,300 English sonnets, alongside poetry, essays, ghazals, and songs, his body of work stands as a bridge between East and West, tradition and modernity.
Literary critics compare his mastery to Shakespeare’s precision, Tagore’s lyricism, and Ghalib’s philosophical depth. Yet, his voice remained unmistakably Dogra, firmly rooting Jammu in the international literary landscape.
“It is urgent and imperative that his works find place in Dogri and English curricula,” say Trust members. “Only then will students understand his role as not just a Dogra poet, but a world sonneteer.”
Ten Years of Academic Collaboration
From its inception, KVMT chose academia as the bedrock of its work. Scholarships, gold medals, and research fellowships have encouraged generations of students to take up Dogri studies. The Trust’s partnership with the University of Jammu – particularly its Dogri and English Departments – has created a fertile ground for literary exploration.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Umesh Rai has accelerated this momentum with innovative initiatives like the Design Your Curriculum batches, student-led journals, and a proposed Cultural Center to make language studies vibrant and forward-looking.
“Students must not only learn Dogri as heritage but as a discipline that opens opportunities, ideas, and dialogue,” Prof. Rai has emphasized.
Dogri Sanstha and Natrang: The Pillars
The movement has drawn strength from Jammu’s oldest and most respected cultural institutions.
* Dogri Sanstha, under the leadership of Dr. Lalit Mangotra, has anchored Dogri’s literary revival. Through awards, seminars, and the Mohan Singh Sahitya Samman held during the Utsav, the Sanstha has given KVMT initiatives academic weight and continuity.
* Natrang, led by Balwant Thakur, has given Dogri a theatrical life. By taking Dogri plays and performances to stages across India, Thakur has turned the language into a spectacle of pride and relevance.
Together, these institutions have ensured that Dogri lives not only in classrooms but also in auditoriums, festivals, and community spaces.
Artists as Ambassadors
No cultural revival can thrive without its artists. KVMT’s journey has been amplified by the voices of performers who have carried Dogri to the masses:
* Brij Mohan, whose stirring patriotic renditions keep the Dogra spirit alive.
* Jitender Singh Jamwal, a powerful vocalist bringing Dogri to contemporary platforms.
* Sonali Dogra, whose youthful energy connects with younger audiences.
* Jassi, celebrated for taking Dogri to national stages.
* Monica Dogra, an international artist adding a global fusion edge.
* Radhika Chopra, India’s ghazal queen, who has lent her voice to Dogri in tribute performances.
These artists, along with theatre, music, and dance collectives, have helped transform Dogri from a regional dentity into a popular cultural movement.
Inspiration Through Icons
To inspire the youth with life lessons from Jammu’s accomplished figures, the Trust launched the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Lecture. Each year, leaders from different walks of life share stories of resilience and vision.
This year’s lecture will be delivered by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister and one of Jammu’s most respected leaders. From grassroots service to India’s leadership in space exploration, his journey mirrors the aspirations of the region. His address, scheduled for September 2, 2025, is expected to be a highlight of the Utsav.
The Leap Ahead: Kunwar Viyogi
As it marks its 10th anniversary, KVMT is launching a landmark initiative – the Kunwar Viyogi Conclave.
Envisioned as an annual feature, the conclave will bring together policymakers, entrepreneurs, scholars, artists, and youth icons to create a new narrative for Jammu. With the credibility of the media house and the vision of the Trust, the conclave aims to take Jammu’s stories of language, enterprise, and innovation to every household.
“This is not just an event; it is a movement to position Jammu as a hub of ideas, culture, and opportunity,” the organizers say.
The Next Decade
Looking ahead, KVMT has set clear goals:
* Embedding Kunwar Viyogi’s works in Dogri and English curricula, both at regional and national levels.
* Strengthening collaborations with Dogri Sanstha, Natrang, and local artists to sustain the cultural ecosystem.
* Using media and technology to take Dogri beyond borders.
* Inspiring youth to see Dogri not just as a language but as a pathway to creativity, innovation, and pride.
A Movement Rooted in Pride
From classrooms to concert halls, from scholarly journals to ghazal nights, the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust has spent ten years proving that reviving a language is not about nostalgia, but about building the future.
As Jammu prepares for the 10th Kunwar Viyogi Utsav (Sept 1-4, 2025), the Trust’s journey stands as proof that when scholarship, culture, media, and art come together, a regional voice can echo far beyond its borders.
Kunwar Viyogi once wrote that “pride in one’s language is pride in one’s nation.” His words continue to guide a movement that is only just beginning.
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