Dr Kasturi Lal
Inspite of its inclusion in the 8th schedule of the constitution of India in year 2003, the demands for introduction of Dogri language in education system were defied by successive Govermental dispensations. This was attributed to existing population of various cultural groups and diverse social structures in Jammu province. Cumbersome processes and regulations and bureaucratic hurdles precipitated a hidden crisis of silent loss of the vocalized language of Dogri region which affected their culture art and heritage. This ignominious ignorance of the language and culture has left Jammu region poor. Revival of the language is not just an issue of dogri identity, it is a social imperative. It has become a reason to give wake up call to all stakeholders to fight for the preservation of culture legacies for future generation.
Past Strategies
Recently, Government and non-Government organisations have appreciated the contributions of novelists short story writers, poets, plays and essays writers in defending the culture and art of Dogra community. Though considered logical and fitting now and existing in vogue amongst writers and artists, tends to hold us back now as plans are not flexible enough to face the changes that the future will undoubtly bring in reviving the language. The exercise of the linguists who held on to the past and clung to the way the things were, remained unrecognized for want of unified response and responsibility of the civil society.
Failures
They did not realize as to where they would go that counts. A vision of prosperous future for the language the success of which may or may not have been seen by them in their life but definitely by the posterity was missing. Their activities turned out to be self-promotional strategies rather than any consideration for promotion of language. They sought greatness but did not unselfishly give of themselves.The eruption of internecine conflicts amongst the organisation led to diwindling condition of the language.
Evolutions
Constitution of an umbrella group which would work jointly to meet the aspiration of Dogra community and promote Dogri as well as Dogra Culture is a positive move. It takes a special calibre of person to be both a visionary and realist to foresee and focus on the needs of future and also build, day by day, brick by brick, until the structure of tomorrow is solidly and safely built.The group of organisations now have grasped the exigency of constituting such central group which would make policies and ensure implementation of those policies. Group will work in achieving broad objective of (1). Promotion of Dogri language, culture, festivals food and heritage and (2). Sensitization of different stakeholders through a campaign which underscore the importance of integrating mother language in the broader academic curriculum
Analysis of Factors
Children’s up bringing is determined by the language and thoughts in which they are being taught. It helps values and knowledge of tradition. Their established identity will connect them with people and build healthy relationships. Unfortunately, the parents are undermining the status of Dogra Culture which is deeply ingrained in its rich language. Modernity is depriving the individuals to follow natural Instinct of maintaining language and culture. While projecting spoken English as a symbol of status the parents have failed to reinforce the value of things that bring faith responsibility and empathy, resulting in nonexistence of virtues like honesty, courage, loyalty prudence gratitude and humility which encourage individual to navigate moral challenges.
The education of children has been increasingly marketed like commodities. The value is determined by sale gimmicks, without giving any prominence to account of leveraging educational uplift-ment of children in prioritizing knowledge of mother language with knowledge of language in which they receive academic and career related education. National Education Policy NEP (2020) dictates that official language Dogri should be taught-as compulsory subject in schools. Surprisingly, the Board of School Education and the Council of Educational Research and training have failed to include official language. Dogri as compulsory subject in the syllabus of course of study in schools as mandated by national education policy.
Political, administrative and social system added by passive, evasive, confused society has rendered the language of Jammu province not only helpless but turned it on the verge of extinction.
Education of Stakeholders
A campaign of educating parents and teachers that they put a premium on giving their children the positive well-rounded up bringing which they need rather than projecting study in English as a symbol of Status and civilization has been started. Prioritizing the study of mother language the Knowledge of academic and Career in other language, can be realized. We should feel proud of being labelled as community burgeoned Dogra in blood and Colour but not foreigner in moral and intellect. We have to seek support of education boards to include Dogri as compulsory subject of study in primary classes in schools.
Social Responsibility
It bears upon us that till Dogri is included as medium of Study in public sector Schools, we as our social responsibility have adopted some schools for Study of Dogri language in private schools. Under this social scheme the teachers employed by us teach the students with Spirit of language first-and their education with culture, traditions and entrepreneurial activities. That other organisations follow this initiative is Subject of speculation.
Social Awakening
A genuine strategy to revive the language, art and culture would require a campaign of unified response and responsibility of the civil society, political dispensation, educator, parents and community leaders. We have to use professionalism to accomplish goals. We Cannot make things better unless we realize what is wrong or what needs to be improved. Input suggestions tips and critiques from other make that possible. To retrieve the lost-glory of language and culture of Dogras,it has become essential to raise public voice. To change public opinion in favour of use of Dogri Language, Seminars, Symposia and debates have become essential Component of our drive. Interaction with officers and member of clubs, traders’ federations and chamber of commerce and Industries by organising lectures in their Campuses has been our priority. Even today selfless social workers exist in the society who live to do and see whatever possible to save their culture.
Public Interaction
It requires interaction with sabhas and association like health, revenue, transport, bank employee, lawyers and private schools to create awareness amongst them to transact in mother language. The use of language which has been restricted to homes, has to extend in the streets and their place of work. The targets can be achieved if Language find place on signposts at banks, revenue department municipal corporation and smart city establishments.
Assessment of Proficiency
We have set ground for a campaign of ”our language our future”. This movement aims to revitalize Dogri language learning. The students of these schools are encouraged to take part in discussion and arrange inter schools vocalized Dogri Competition. A six week “Dogri sur Sarvshreshta Tara” Competition was organized to judge the proficiency of vocalized Dogri language amongst 120 students of 18 private schools of Jammu and Kathua districts. The final event was conducted in the premises of MAM college Jammu on 20.04.2025.
Feasibility Practice for Revival
Teaching of Dogri in colleges, and university and declaration of Dogri as official language of union territory has prompted the Dogri writes to be more active towards this art and give inspiration to students to appear in competitive examination. To assess their capacity in vocalized Dogri it became necessary to develop a sense of competition amongst the students of colleges and the university. One such competition was organised on Sunday the 27th of April 2025 in the premises of MAM college Jammu where the student of degree colleges of Jammu province Jammu and university participated. These events are aimed to develop feasibility practices for revival of Dogri language. By developing interest amongst students and teachers a movement for revitalization of Dogri,language, will begin. This will bring forth true nature of Dogra culture and traditions.
Job opportunities in Dogri
We support an awareness campaign to inform students who have received education in Dogri that they can be placed in the fields of education as teachers, anchors, broadcasters, aspirants for JKAS, IAS examination, actors, directors, translators of speeches and for preparing academic books.
Promotion of Takri
Senior citizens support service club initiated the process of displaying hoardings in Takri at prominent places in Jammu. The bureaucracy and industrial sector has been approached to support this initiative to revive the language. By starting courses in Takri language,the literary strength can increasingly be bolstered by a movement for revitalization of mother language which will bring forth true nature of Dogri culture and tradition.
Linguistic growth
A determined spirit equipped with an unquenchable faith in the mission can alter the course of history. We have developed literary songs, Bhajan in Dogri language which will touch the soul and survive for long. To breed success, we have to assure commitment dedication and motivation.
Media and Satellite Channel
Media needs sensitization about the neglect of Dogri language. A sattelite Channel devoted. Dogri news and cultural activities can fill unbridged gap. We will remain steadfast and tall through storms and trail to achieve our goal.
Future
The message is clear that people succeed because they are determined to. Modern system of education is focused on academic and career related education of children. Knowledge of local rituals and local language is diminishing. The resultant situation deprived the growing children of the knowledge of moral values, ethical principles and spiritual wisdom to enable them to become virtuous, compassionate and responsible members of Dogra society. Our activities can bring forth a profound sense of fulfilment. Path which we have chosen may not be easy but our courage, perseverance and conviction is sufficient to face rugged mountain trail to prevent Dogri language being listed as endangered language. A great masterpiece requires time but the beauty of the final product honours, the labour and efforts put-into its creation.
(The author is Chairman Senior Citizen Support Service Club Chowadi Jammu)
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