Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Shakunt Deepmala, a Dogri writer, was today conferred with the third Prof Ram Nath Shastri Smriti Puruskar (Memorial Award) at an impressive function organized by Dogri Sanstha here at KL Saigal Hall.
Deepmala was awarded for her first collection of Dogri short stories ‘Sukkhan’ published in 2015. The award carries Rs 21,000 cash, a shawl, a memento and citation. Prof Ram Nath Shastri Memorial Award has been instituted by Dogri Sanstha and sponsored by the family members of Shastriji. The award is given annually for the best first book of Dogri written by an author in the preceding five years.
Rita Jitendra, former Secretary of JKAACL and renowned cultural personality of the State, was the chief guest on this occasion, whereas Anjali Sharma, Director, Doordarshan Jammu, shared the dais as special guest.
Dr Lalit Magotra, noted writer, intellectual and convener, Sahitya Akademi’s Advisory Board for Dogri, presided over the function.
Earlier, while welcoming the audience, Chhatrapal, president of Dogri Sanstha, said Prof Shastri was a visionary who played a crucial role in the development of Dogri language and literature.
Dr Lalit Magotra, in his presidential said, “The canvas of Deepmala’s stories is very extensive covering almost all the regions of Duggar focusing on variety of subjects and illustrating the variegated facets of life.
Meanwhile, Sudesh K Verma was also honoured by the Sanstha for producing Taranaa of Dogri Sanstha and a documentary film on the life and works of Shastri ji.
The proceedings were ably conducted by Dr Chanchal Bhasin, Literary Secretary of Dogri Sanstha while Gianeshwar, vice president of the Sanstha, presented the vote of thanks.
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