Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 15: Prof Ram Nath Shastri Memorial Award for the year 2018 has been conferred on Pitamber Nath Sharma for his Dogri novel “Bhagaali”.
The award instituted by the family members of Late Shastri, the doyen of Dogri, is aimed at encouraging the new writers. The award carries a cheque for Rs.21000, a memento and a shawl.
The award ceremony was organized under the auspices of Dogri Sanstha, to which Shastri remained associated throughout his life.
The award function which was held in K.L. Sehgal Hall was presided over by Padmashri Prof. Ved Ghai and attended by a large gathering of writers, the family members of Shastri and Pitamber Sharma and prominent citizens.
Prof Ghai, who had a long association with Shastri, narrated many outstanding qualities of head and heart of Shastri, which made him a towering personality during his lifetime and an icon of Dogri after his death. She specially emphasized his foresightedness, his leadership qualities and his total dedication to the cause of Dogri.
Earlier, Prof Lalit Magotra, President of Dogri Sanstha presented welcome address.
On the occasion, Prof. Veena Gupta read a citation about Pitambar Nath Sharma and also spoke in detail of the merit of the awarded novel.
Dr Nirmal Vinod, General Secretary of Dogri Sanstha conducted the programme, while Dr Chanchal Bhasin, Secretary of Dogri Sanstha presented the vote of thanks.