STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Speaker Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta on Thursday inaugurated two-day All India Dogri Writers Conference at Abhinav Theatre here. The conference is being organised by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) on the eve of Dogri Manta Divas-the day Dogri language was included in Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003.
Kavinder said the writers have an important role to play in keeping the language relevant as it’s the writer who keeps on writing with regard to the contemporary times and making the language more relevant. He said the writers have to play an important role in promoting the regional languages. He further said Dogri language and literature written in last 15 years has established a respectful space in the contemporary literature being written in other Indian languages. Kavinder Gupta said in contemporary times, it is important to read and write English language as it is a global language but at the same time regional languages should not be left out.
He called for collective efforts to take regional languages to new heights and stated that the government is committed to help in preserving and promoting the regional languages. Minister of State for Education, Priya Sethi said in the present changing scenario, it becomes more relevant to focus and think on the preservation, development and documentation of the languages. She said today’s youth is under the influence of the westernized culture and may get diverted from the regional identity, culture and regional languages in context of mother tongue. Priya stressed on the writers to provide interesting short stories in Dogri language to children which will attract them to read more in Dogri language.
Secretary JKAACL, Dr Aziz Hajini while delivering his welcome address informed the people that soon the construction works of Writers’ Club in the academy premises will be initiated fulfilling the long pending demand and requirement of the Jammu region. He said Rs 1.70 crore have been released for the purpose and soon the club will be inaugurated.
Darshan Darshi, Prominent Dogri Poet, intellectual and writer in his key note address said that it is the need of the time that the intellectuals and writers may discuss the Dogri language, its challenges in the global era.
Two books in Dogri languages were also released on the occasion. During the 2-day conference, Dogri writers will present their short stories, plays and poems. Writers will also present their research papers besides panel discussions and Dogri Mushaira will also be held during the Conference.
