Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 21: Dogri Sanstha Jammu, the oldest and most prestigious literary organisation of the region, today observed Dogri Manyata Diwas with solemn pride and cultural fervour at the Kunwar Viyogi Auditorium, Dogri Bhawan, Karan Nagar, Jammu.
The programme commemorated the historic inclusion of Dogri in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution of India, a milestone that crowned decades of sustained struggle by writers, scholars and language activists. The occasion also featured the Dogri Sanstha Samman Samaroh-2025, honouring eminent personalities for their outstanding contribution to Dogri language, literature, journalism, media and the arts.
On this occasion, the speakers unanimously stressed that Dogri Manyata Divas is not merely a ceremonial observance but a reminder of the cultural self-respect and collective will of the Dogra society. The constitutional recognition of Dogri restored the rightful place of the language among India’s major languages and reaffirmed its rich literary tradition, folk wisdom and oral heritage.
The chief guest, Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary Forests, Ecology and Environment in her address, described Dogri as the living cultural soul of the region, deeply intertwined with its history, traditions and social values. She observed that constitutional recognition brings not only honour but also responsibility, urging institutions, educators and creative minds to actively promote Dogri in schools, universities, administration and new media. Commending Dogri Sanstha Jammu, she said the organisation has played a pivotal role in nurturing Dogri consciousness and sustaining literary excellence over the decades.
Prof Lalit Magotra, president, Dogri Sanstha Jammu, recalled the long and determined movement that led to Dogri’s inclusion in the 8th Schedule. He paid rich tributes to pioneers and stalwarts who dedicated their lives to the cause of the mother tongue. Prof Magotra stressed the importance of strengthening Dogri through quality creative writing, criticism, translation, documentation of folk traditions and academic research. He pleaded that Dogri should be included in primary classes as per New Education policy.
During the function, several personalities were honoured for their exemplary contribution in the fields of literature, journalism, media and arts. They included- Mangal Dass Dogra, Dr Nirmal Vinod, Narendra Bhasin, Colonel Raj Manawari, Abdul Quddir Kundria, Dr Kasturi Lal Gupta, Shamsher Singh Charak, Asha Kesar, Kailash Mehra and Madan Rangila.
Citations highlighting the literary journeys, creative achievements and cultural impact of the honourees were read out by Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’, general secretary of the Sanstha and Prof Veena Gupta, distinguished academician and writer.
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