Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: The two-day seminar on Dogri folklore, jointly organized by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, and the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Jammu, was inaugurated today at Writers Club, Jammu.
The seminar brought together leading writers, scholars, and researchers from the Dogri literary community to explore the depth and diversity of Dogri folk traditions and to deliberate on the importance of preserving this rich cultural heritage.
The inaugural session commenced with a Dogri folk Bhakh performance by Ambri Devi and her group. The introductory address was delivered by Padma Shree Mohan Singh, Convener of the Dogri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi. He elaborated on the historical evolution and thematic richness of Dogri folk literature, noting that Dogri folk songs, proverbs, and tales are deeply embedded in the everyday life of the people and reflect their joy, sorrow, struggle, and inherited wisdom.
Harvinder Kour, Secretary, JKAACL, spoke about the Academy’s renewed efforts to promote indigenous language and culture.
The presidential address was delivered by Prof Sucheta Pathania, HoD Dogri in Jammu University. She reflected on the academic significance of folk literature, noting that these oral traditions carry within them layers of social values, identity, resistance and collective memory.
A special lecture was delivered by Om Goswami, who provided profound insights into the metaphorical and symbolic depth of Dogri folk forms.
The academic sessions were chaired by Dr Jitendra Udhampuri and three researchers shared their work. Puran Chander Sharma presented a comprehensive paper on Karkaan, Baran, and Loriyaan. Vijaya Thakur discussed Bishanpattey, Bhajan, and Massadey. Khajoor Singh Thakur presented an engaging paper on Geet, Geetdu and Bhaakhaan.
The post-lunch session opened with a vibrant Dogri folk performance of Geetru by Mohan Lal and his group from Dudu.
The academic proceedings continued with another session chaired by Inderjeet Kesar. Sushma Rani Rajput presented a paper on Chhand, Luhani, and Sithniyaan. Swatantra Mehra spoke on Suhag, Ghodiyan, and Badhave.
Concluding the day, Neelam Sareen offered an insightful analysis of Dholaddu, Khuaan, and Muhavare.
The seminar will continue tomorrow with further presentations and discussions aimed at exploring the nuances and enduring value of Dogri folk heritage.
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