Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 3: Surprised over a recently issued circular by CEO Kathua directing all schools in the district to teach Urdu as a compulsory subject in Primary classes from this session, Dogri Sanstha Jammu and prominent Dogri writers have smelled a deep rooted conspiracy behind the move for creating a wedge between Dogri speaking people of the State and Urdu lovers.
“It is shocking that instead of taking concrete steps to implement the earlier Government Order of 2006 for introduction of six mother languages, including Dogri, in the areas where such languages are spoken as mother tongue from Class 1st in all schools of the State, a new circular contradicting the earlier order has been issued without caring about the sentiments of Dogri speaking population,” said Prof Lalit Magotra, prominent Dogri writer and convener of the Dogri Advisory Board Sahitya Akademy, while addressing a press conference along with other writers and members of the Dogri Sanstha, here today.
Alleging that the new order on introducing Urdu as compulsory subject was a foul play to trigger an inter-regional and inter-religion controversy in the already disturbed State, Prof Magotra demanded that the controversial order be immediately withdrawn and responsibility be fixed on the persons who have tried to play this vicious game and exemplary punishment be given to them.
Pertinent to mention that according to a Circular by CEO, Kathua, No.CEOK/63830-45, dated 18-03-2017, all schools of the district have been directed to teach Urdu as a compulsory subject to all students of Class 1st to 5th from the new session 2017-18.
The said circular further mentions that the direction in this regard is being issued under the instructions of higher authorities.
On the other hand, Government Order No. 222-Edu of 2006, dated 10-04-2006 by Commissioner/Secretary to Govt, Education Department, already exists where under a sanction has been accorded to the introduction of six mother languages including Dogri, in the areas where such languages are spoken as mother tongue from Class 1st in all Government/Private recognized institutions of the State from the academic session 2006-07.
“The Dogri Sanstha and Dogri writers hold nothing against Urdu and we love this language, which is also official language of the State but instead of taking concrete steps to implement the Government Order of 2006, issuing a new circular, contradicting the earlier Order, without caring about the sentiments of Dogri speaking and Dogri loving population of the area, smacks of a deep rooted conspiracy to harm Dogri language and culture,” said Prof Lalit Magotra and explained that a primary class student studying Hindi, English and Urdu as compulsory subject can not even think of taking Dogri, Gojri or any of his mother tongue as one more optional subject.
Chhattarpal, president of Dogri Sanstha Jammu, alleged that present move of the Government clearly indicates that the Government in power was hell bent on degrading and insulting the Dogri language and Dogra culture. “We demand that the Circular of 18th March, 2017 by CEO, Kathua be immediately withdrawn and the persons who have tried to play this vicious game be punished while the Government must also take immediate practical steps to see that the Dogri language is introduced at Primary level in all schools in Dogri speaking areas from academic session 2017-18,” he added.
Dr Nirmal Vinod, Prof Veena Gupta and other prominent Dogri writers were also present in the press conference.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
