Dr Gharo Choudhary
choudharygharo@gmail.com
Book Review: A Mirror to Us – Then Why Not… Mother Tongue Dogri?
Author: Dr.Surita Sharma & Adv. Naresh Kumar Raina
Foreword: Prof. Kulbhushan Mohtra
Additional Forwards: Pawan Sharma Rajpurohit & Adv. Naresh Salgotra
Publisher: J.K. Papyrus Pvt. Ltd., Jammu (J&K)
Pages: 330
In a rapidly changing world where global languages often eclipse native voices, A Mirror to Us – Then Why Not… Mother Tongue Dogri? emerges as a powerful intellectual and emotional statement. Authored by Dr.Surita Sharma and Adv. Naresh Kumar Raina, this 330-page book is a scholarly yet heartfelt appeal for the revival, respect, and recognition of Dogri – the vibrant mother tongue of the Duggar region.
The book delves deep into the philosophy of linguistic identity, asserting that the mother tongue is not merely a means of communication but a vital link between memory, thought, and cultural continuity. The authors convincingly argue that Dogri, like any other language of the world, has the potential to create thinkers, scientists, poets, and reformers – provided it is allowed to flourish in education, administration, and daily life.
Historical Insights: Dogra Heritage and Linguistic Legacy
One of the book’s strongest sections lies in its historical chapters, where the authors trace the evolution of the Duggar land – a region enriched by valor, devotion, and cultural synthesis. Through chapters such as “The Glorious Past of Dogra Land,” “Sikh &Dogra Regime,” “Maharaja Partap Singh,” and “Looking Back: History of Jammu & Kashmir,” the book brings to life the spirit of the land and its people.
The authors remind readers how Dogra rulers like Maharaja Gulab Singh and Maharaja Ranbir Singh expanded and unified the region through wisdom, courage, and administrative acumen. The narrative also touches upon the strategic importance of Jammu, Leh, and Kashmir, the challenges posed by invasions, and the resilience shown by the Dogras in protecting their motherland.
Importantly, these historical glimpses are not presented merely as political chronicles but as reflections on the cultural psyche of the region. The Dogras’ love for their soil and language emerges as the soul of this history – a reminder that heritage and mother tongue are inseparable threads of identity.
The section on “Leh and the Chinese Invasion” further expands the reader’s understanding of how the geo-political shifts in the Himalayas have influenced regional consciousness, urging today’s generation to remember the sacrifices of their ancestors who safeguarded the Duggar land and its composite culture.
The Power and Psychology of Mother Tongue
Moving from history to pedagogy, the authors offer an insightful discussion on the role of the mother tongue in education and cognitive development. Drawing upon UNESCO, the UNO Convention on the Rights of the Child, and Education for All (EFA) guidelines, they emphasize that education in one’s native language enhances comprehension, creativity, and retention among learners.
They highlight that the New Education Policy (NEP 2020) has reaffirmed this principle by recommending mother tongue as the medium of instruction at the foundational level. The book details global research findings that support the same – that a child learns best when taught in the language of the heart and home.
Pawan Sharma Rajpurohit, Incharge, Department of Literature, BJP Jammu & Kashmir, and Member, NMCME, Ministry of Education (Govt. of India), in his note, reinforces this view. He commends the book for showcasing how Dogri, if used wholeheartedly in education and daily life, can shape strong and self-reliant Duggar personalities, just as other linguistic communities across the world have done.
A Forward that Questions and Inspires
In a deeply reflective foreword, Advocate NareshSalgotra, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, raises a provocative question – “What is the fun of studying, learning, writing, or speaking in Dogri?”
He notes that this question, often posed by Dogras themselves, reveals the irony of our times – where people value global languages while undermining their own. His reflection that human thought and conscience function most naturally in the mother tongue is not only philosophically profound but also neuroscientifically sound.
Salgotra appreciates that the book is rooted in empirical research and international linguistic studies, presenting Dogri not as a sentimental subject but as an intellectual asset with proven social and cognitive benefits. His endorsement, along with that of Pawan Sharma, amplifies the scholarly credibility of the work.
Foreword by Prof.KulbhushanMohtra: A Call to Cultural Duty
The foreword by Prof.KulbhushanMohtra, State In-charge, NanajiDeshmukh Library & Documentation Department, J&K UT, is an illuminating piece in itself. The author of Untold Story of Terrorism & Proxy War in Jammu and A Compendium of Kons of Jammu & Kashmir and Our Inspirations, Prof.Mohtra highlights the holy trinity of “Mother, Motherland, and Mother Tongue” as pillars of identity.
He urges readers to recognize that those who work, write, and think in their mother tongue create history in their fields. His heartfelt observation – that if speakers of other languages have excelled globally, Dogri speakers too can make history – sets the tone for the entire book. His words bridge emotion and inspiration, turning linguistic pride into a moral and cultural responsibility.
Language and Style
The writing style of the book is lucid, engaging, and well-researched, blending scholarly insight with emotional resonance. The authors succeed in maintaining an accessible tone while discussing complex themes of linguistics, pedagogy, and history. Quotations, references, and anecdotes enrich the narrative, making it suitable for both general readers and academic audiences.
The book’s structure – beginning with the position of mother, motherland, and mother tongue, moving through historical retrospection, and culminating in educational implications – mirrors a journey from roots to wings.
A Recommendation for Scholars
For scholars and students of linguistics, cultural studies, and education, A Mirror to Us – Then Why Not… Mother Tongue Dogri? is a treasure trove of research possibilities. It offers fertile ground for exploring themes such as language identity, pedagogy in mother tongue, regional consciousness, and indigenous knowledge systems (IKS).
The historical chapters can serve as primary resources for studies on Dogra polity, cultural resilience, and the evolution of regional languages under colonial and postcolonial influence. Likewise, the educational discussions can inspire comparative research with other Indian languages that have successfully integrated into academic systems.
Universities, teacher education colleges, and cultural research centres would benefit immensely from including this book in their libraries and curricula. It also holds significance for policymakers interested in implementing NEP 2020’s vision of multilingual education.
Final Reflections
In essence, this book is not only about Dogri – it is about every mother tongue that embodies a community’s collective consciousness. It rekindles the pride of belonging to a land where language is both heritage and heartbeat.
A Mirror to Us – Then Why Not… Mother Tongue Dogri? is more than a book – it is a manifesto of cultural revival, a pedagogical guide, and a tribute to the Duggar soul. It deserves to be read, discussed, and celebrated widely.
Verdict:
A deeply researched, emotionally charged, and intellectually fulfilling work that connects the past with the future of Dogri identity.
(The author Ph.D. (English), is Principal at Vimal Muni College of Education)
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