Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 1: A deputation of writers, poets and intellectuals, representing Dogri Sanstha, called on Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh at his official residence here and apprised him about the resentment of intelligentsia of Jammu against the sheer discrimination meted out to Dogri in the newly constituted Central Committees of Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL).
The deputation, comprising of Chhatrapal, Gianeshwar Sharma, Dr Nirmal Vinod, Prof Lalit Magotra, Dr Veena Gupta and Dr Shashi Pathania, described as most irrational the decision of the State administration to ignore the second largest speaking language of the State and deny representation in the Central Committee, the apex decision making high powered body of JKAACL in its own State.
How this committee can look after the aspirations of Dogri speaking people of Jammu region when it sans representation to Dogri? asked the deputation.
In their interaction with the Deputy Chief Minister, they said that the decision of not giving representation to Dogri language in the Central Committee by the State authorities have not only gravely hurt the sentiments of Dogri speaking people but insulted them to the great extent by alienating them. “It is seen as an assault on the culture of Dogras and an effort to create a wedge between the people of Valley and Jammu by some elements present in JKAACL who are detrimental to our language and culture, they added.
It is pertinent to mention here that at the recently held meeting of non- existent Central Committee of JKAACL, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, five members were nominated to the Central Committee; all belonging to Kashmir valley. Only one member, an artist, from Jammu region was incorporated in the Central Committee (CC) who, unfortunately, does not represent Dogri language or literature. However, the deputation clarified that they were not against the inclusion of any artist in the CC but emphasized that Dogri should get its legitimate share.
The deputation urged upon the Deputy CM to get this step-motherly treatment and injustice perpetrated against the Dogri language stopped and demanded nomination of outstanding Dogri writers / poets as members to the Central Committee to safeguard the interests of Dogri speaking populace.
Dr Nirmal Singh gave patient hearing to the deputation and assured to look into the matter.
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