JAMMU: Senior Vice President JKPCC and former Minister Sham Lal Sharma on Sunday released a Dogri Book titled ‘Tere Hirkhae Ch’ written by Rajinder Ranjha at a function held here at K L Saigal Hall. A large number of Dogri writers, poets, scholars were present.
Prof Lalit Magotra Convener Dogri Sahitya Academy New Delhi presided over the function while Prof Veena Gupta was the Guest of Honour and Yashpaul Nirmal was the Special Guest.
Roshan Bral Roshan President Dogri Bhasha Academy, N.D Jamwal and Dr Ashok Khajuria were also present. Dr Rattan Basotra and Ganga Sharma presented critical papers which were highly appreciated.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Guest Sham Lal appreciated the efforts of the author in compiling the Dogri book for all generation. He said the work of the writer 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. He 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.
Sham advocated for introduction of Dogri subject 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. He said children must have knowledge of all languages but mother language is must to carry on the traditions, culture and density. “We should make collective efforts to protect our rich culture and language for the coming generations as language is our identity”, Sham maintained. Eminent short story writer Raj Rahi presented vote of thanks.