6th Kunwar Viyogi Memorial lecture
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Sept 2 : Appealing Dogra youth to align with Modi Government’s futuristic avenues instead of harping on previous mindset, Union Minister in PMO with independent charge of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh today said that this Government under Modi’s India has created ample opportunities for the youth to get lucrative jobs.
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Delivering the 6th “Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Lecture” at University of Jammu today, Dr Jitendra Singh said, it is time to align Dogra legacy with India’s mainstream global journey.
The Minister said India is now following the same global strategies that are being followed by the other developed countries. He said, the country is now living up to global benchmarks. Therefore, if the Dogra region and the Dogras also align with this mainstream global journey, then that would be the true long-term sustainability of the Dogra culture and pride, he added.
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Stressing the need to promote Dogri language through contemporary mediums and curricula, Dr Jitendra Singh urged the educational institutes like Jammu University to take the onus. He said, the linguistic pride cannot be dependent only on Constitutional safeguards.
Dr Jitendra Singh said although Dogri has been included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and introduced as a subject in educational institutes, but it seems little has been done for its promotion on the ground level. Making a strong case for promotion of Dogri among the youth, the Minister stated that imposition and sermonizing would not help promote the language as little written communication is done in Dogri.
Cryptically, Dr Jitendra Singh said, after abrogation of Art 370, Dogri was made an official language in J&K, and asked how many in this hall have ever even once written a letter or application addressed to any Government office in Dogri language. The Minister asked such persons to raise their hands but not a single hand went up. He said it was introduced as a subject of study in schools but hardly any student opts for it, even the children of many Dogri writers were seen opting for English language, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh asked have not some of us reduced the so called “Dogra Pride” to mere slogan for launching or re-launching of political careers?.
He said it is time to align Dogra legacy with India’s main-stream global journey. He made it clear that neither imposition, nor sermonizing can help promote a language, only motivation and stake holding can.
Dr Jitendra Singh said there is a need to see Dogri as a legacy asset to move on with new contemporary trends rather than treat it as a liability, and also need to connect it with livelihood stakes.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that ever since PM Narendra Modi took over, the Union Government has sought to bridge the gap between Jammu Division and Kashmir valley, but we are still not able to liberate ourselves from the earlier mindset.
Addressing the students, the Union Minister said the National Education Policy is a game-changer because it has liberated them and provided greater choices. Earlier, most of them were prisoners of their parental choices when it comes to choosing subjects. Now, they have the freedom to choose and juggle with subjects as per their aptitude, he explained.
Dr Jitendra Singh urged the students to harness mobile technology, and called upon them to join agri-startups after they pass out. The Minister said agri-startups are offering sustainable livelihood. He said more than 4000 youth left their jobs to become part of the Purple Revolution which catapulted Bhaderwah town of district Doda to the global map of startups. He said the Dogra youth too will have to come out of the Government employment mindset and take to these new avenues.
The Minister said that Jammu and Kashmir is rich in bio-resources, such as lavender. He also called for promoting Khadi, informing that the Government is providing nearly 40 per cent subsidy on loans to encourage production and sale of Khadi products.
Dr Singh also spoke about PM Vishwakarma Yojana. He said it is not only a source of livelihood but promotes traditional craft by providing end-to-end support to artisans and craftspersons. The Minister said it aims at on boarding the beneficiaries as entrepreneurs.
Earlier in her address, Prof Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies and officiating VC Jammu University said “We look towards Dr Jitendra Singh to take this University forward’’, She also congratulated the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust in collaborating with two departments of JU including Department of English and Department of Dogri in organising the 10 Kunwar Viyogi Utsav and memorial lecture on the topic Jammu’iyat, Regional revival or National Renaissance?
She said Kunwar Viyogi who belonged to Jammu has done a great service to Dogri by promoting it and it is our commitment to take this legacy forward and dedicate ourselves in promoting the Dogri. Prof Neelu Rohmetra said “we are committed to groom the youth of Jammu Division and give equal treatment to all 42 disciplines taught in Jammu University as well as PhD.
She said research is being done on the folk tales linked to Dogras and expressed the hope that the four days Utsav will turn a grand success.
The welcome address was given by Prof Ravinder Singh, HoD English Department while one of the Trustees Poonam Jamwal and daughter of Kunwar Viyogi proposed the vote of thanks.
Rani Ritu Singh, a well known social figure was also on the dais.
The function was attended by Maj Gen (retd) Goverdhan Singh Jamwal, founder of the Trust. He along with Brig retd Anil Gupta, Zorawar Singh Jamwal founder Team Jammu and Col (retd) Ajay Raina were honoured on the occasion.
Brij Mohan, Music Director was given Jamwal Memorial Award 2025.
Earlier, a penal discussion was held in which Maj Gen Goverdan Singh Jamwal, Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Brig Anil Gupta and Col (retd) Ajay Raina participated.
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