STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Duggar Manch on Wednesday felicitated Padma Sachdev, internationally known literary figure, with memento, a shawl and recitation at a function organised here at Abhinav Theatre.
On the occasion, Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly presided over the function and Dr. Om Goswami, renowned Dogri Writer was the Chief Guest whereas Darshan Darshi, Sahitya Akademi Awarded writer and Convener Dogri Language for Sarswati Samman was the Guest of Honour.
In his welcome address, Mohan Singh President Duggar Manch said this is for the first time that Birla Foundation selected Dogri for this prestigious award out of all Indian languages placed in Eighth Schedule of Indian Constitution. He further spoke about the contribution of Padma Sachdev towards Dogri literature and gave brief note of struggle for inclusion in Eighth Schedule, initiated by Duggar Manch. He further urged that medium of instruction should be Dogri in Dogra region and there should be Department of Dogri in all universities working in the region.
Padma Sachdev has so many awards in her credit like Sahitya Akademi Award, Soviet Land Nehru Award, Hindi Akademi Award, Lifetime Achievement Award, Padamshree and many others.
An eminent scholar, Sahitya Akademi awarded writer Prakash Premi presented a paper on Chit Chete, the book, selected for Sarswati Samman and Dr. Sushma Rani presented a paper on the poetry written by Padma Sachdev.
Dr. Neelam Sareen read out the citation of Padma Sachdev and a young artist Vanshika Jaral presented a song in her melodious voice penned by Padma Sachdev.
Dr. Sudhir Mahajan, a prominent personality of theatre presented a famous poem of Padma Sachdev ‘Raje Diyan Mandian’.
Padma Sachdev suggested to all the Dogras that they should speak Dogri with their spouses and children if they really love to save it.
Shivdev Sushil delivered vote of thanks and Sunita Bhadwal conducted the programme.