Jammu, Aug 13 (KNS): Dogri Bhasha Academy in collaboration with Tin goody Aspirants school organised one day programme to felicitate Sahitya Akademi award winning writer Sh Rajinder Ranjha in an impressive function held at Jourian, Akhnoor.
Sr Vice President J&K Pradesh Congress Committee and Former Minister Sh Sham Lal Sharma was chief guest on the occasion.The function was presided by Smt.Seema Sharma Principal Tiny Aspirants school Jourian.
Alleging step motherly treatment being meted out to Dogri and Dogras, Sh Sham alleged that Jammu became slave of Kashmiris after independence from the rule of Maharaja. He described the latest government order where it ‘reserved’ some posts for Dogri and Punjabi languages as mere eyewash. He sought to know ‘ what government wants to convey by reserving some seats and not rescinding its order of imposing Kashmiri language in Jammu Colleges?’
Sh Sham said that we are not against promoting of any language in the state but imposing of Kashmiri language in the areas where different languages like Dogri,Pahari,Gojri etc some what seems to be fishy.
He further said that in case at all Kashmiri language is imposed in Jammu region Dogri language shall also be promoted in the educational institutions of Kashmir region.
Coming down heavily on BJP Ministers, Sh Sharma pointed out that people of Jammu will not forgive the incumbent ministers from this region ‘for their complete surrender to the Kashmir for the sake of power.’ He exhorted Jammu people especially the student community ‘to rise above religious and political lines to save the honour and dignity of secular Dogras.’
Speaking on the occasion, Sh Sham Lal said that the urgent need to introduce Dogri in the school curriculum and have it taught to student from as young as standard 1st across schools of the state,He further said that a rich language such as Dogri can only become relevant in today's time if promoted amongst the younger generation and spoken actively in educational institutions across the state.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Sh Sharma lauded the effort & work of the writer which will help the Dogri speaking people of Jammu region to know more about the language and encourage the children and others to remain connected with their roots.
The Congress leader exhorted the writers to work hard to promote the Dogri language and culture which is the rich heritage of this region. He also appreciated the efforts of the Dogri Sanstha for its efforts to revive the age old traditions and preserving the rich ethos of Dogra culture.
He said that the Dogri knowing people must reciprocate the efforts of the writer by reading his books and by giving place to Dogri books in their homes.
Sharma strongly advocated for introduction of Dogri subjects in the schools from the elementary level as the language has been included in the 8th Schedule. He said the language should get its prominence at all levels. He also stressed that parents should freely interact with their children in local language to promote it from the homes. He said children must have knowledge of all languages, but mother language is must to carry on the traditions and culture and density.
He said that unless public itself promotes the language, which has been added in Eighth Schedule after lot of struggle, mere govt efforts will not be enough to ensure place to Dogri which it deserves. He also called upon Dogri writers and poets to make contributions for promotion of Dogri.
Sharma said that these days Dogri language is not being patronised by young generations which is really worrisome. The young generation should be proud of its language, heritage, culture, cuisine and way of life .
“We should make collective efforts to protect our rich culture and language for the coming generations as language is our identity”, the PCC leader maintained.
Dr Rakesh Bharti was guest of honour and Dr Rakesh Khajuria and Sh Yashpal Nirmal were special guest on this occasion. (KNS)