Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’
Another year has passed over and several have already passed since 2003 when Dogri got the honor for being included in the 8th schedule of Indian Constitution.
We are stepping into another year once again with commitment and an urge to put in our best efforts for working with all dedication and devotion for recognition of our beloved mother tongue_ ‘Dogri’.
If I have been using the word ‘Recognition’ then there has been a solid reason in the back drop. The Think Tank is quite worried of step motherly treatment by the Dogras to their mother tongue. They are of the view that ‘Dogri Maanta Divas’ should inspire every inhabitant of Duggar Pradesh to give respect to Dogri and make it first language of conversation with fellow Dogras.
Yes, the concern is genuine one. Dogras should at least talk to Dogras in Dogri. Where lays the inferiority complex therein? Don’t French people use French with their fellow countrymen and the English use English language? If we Dogras use Dogri, what’ will the fuss all about?
I may recall that during my childhood I had fascination for Russian Literature. ‘Soviet Bhoomi’, ‘Sputnik’ and several other magazines were my favorite not only because of the contents therein but magnetic presentation also. These books were not only quite economical as far as cost factor was concerned but these were very rich from all other aspects also. The books also carried an important segment ‘How to learn Russian language?’
Honestly speaking, during those days we used to speak Dogri language at home but I used to write in English and Hindi and did neither read nor write in Dogri as Dogri literature was hardly available. Even if it had been accessible, it would have lacked that extra factor which Russian Literature offered as high standard publications. Amazingly, I had quite a good vocabulary of Russian language those days. I used to write a few lines in Russian language also. However I could not speak it fluently as it is was very tough to pronounce it.
With this anecdote from my childhood memories what I wish to state here is that Russian Think Tank was so concerned for access of their language to each and every corner of the world. Don’t we lack it?
Shouldn’t Dogri Maanta Divas be an eye opener for all of us?
Ironically, we Indians are in the habit of celebrating every event just for the sake of celebration instead of feeling the soul behind the same. We need Think Tank not to express their anguish merely in fruitless discussions at those platforms which don’t yield any positive outcome at all. The futile discussions end up in unproductive results. Unless, the efforts are made in right direction, productive result will not be there.
I think, Dogri language needs honest activists. They should carry on the Torch to lead a genuine movement and reach every individual through different platforms. A sense of belonging to our roots should exist in all souls so that we may realize our responsibilities towards our mother tongue as our prime concern.
There is no doubt that there are different literary organizations working in UT of J&K for upliftment of Dogri. Without involving their internal conflicts if we cast a look at their regular literary activities then it’s a healthy sign. There may be apprehensions with work culture of regional cultural academy, still ‘Sheeraja’, a magazine published in Dogri Language by Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages is getting published regularly in addition to some other magazines like ‘Nami Chetna’, ‘Sadha Sahitya’ etc. Moreover regular books published by Dogri writers also raise hopes for better future prospects. Yes, Jammu Prabhat the only Dogri Daily which has stopped its publication is missed badly.
The pioneer literary organizations like Dogri Sanstha, Nami Dogri Sanstha, Duggar Manch, Meri Mittra Mandali, Dogri Bhasha Academy and other small organizations operating from rural areas are also working for the language.
The writers are concerned that there is dearth of readers. Although this problem is being faced by every language but we have not made any effort to counter the same. The reference from Russian literature should inspire us that we have to involve ourselves with all honesty and in a professional way to increase readership.
We will have to be more innovative and should design different schemes to ensure access of our literature to every corner of world wherever Dogras reside. On a positive note we may claim that we have accepted ‘Devnagari’ which is easy to read and communicate. Those ones having somewhat knowledge of the language and ability to read Hindi will not face any difficulty in reading Dogri Literature. Our literature should be translated in different languages so that it should reach to those also who don’t know Dogri. The Dogri literature needs to be digitalized in a better way so as to compete with literature of other languages.
Admitted, that every Day has its own significance. ‘Dogri Maanta Divas’ is also very important. But it’s importance should not be limited to that particular day only. We need to be more practical in our approach. Dismay with fellow Dogras for not according due regards to mother tongue will not lead us in a better direction. Rather concrete steps are the need of hour.
Dogri Maanta Divas offers us an opportunity to draw a well calculated strategy for boosting our mother tongue and act upon it for entire year so that when we celebrate the same next year, we should have feedback about the achievements made during the previous year. It will help us to make a roadmap for current and next year and evaluate our success rate.
The day celebrated every year should inspire us to be more realistic. Keeping this vital aspect in our mind that mere discussions impart frustration only, although we should discuss the issues but our approach should be solution oriented.
The core point is that without roots we cannot grow. It will end up in identity crisis. As everyone wishes to feel proud of own culture and traditions, ‘Dogri Maanta Divas’ should act like an inspiring force for all of us. Instead of indulging in claim & blame game, we should look at ourselves and evaluate that whether we are stepping into same shoes like others or we have a will to act differently and ensure positive outcome.
Let us all, the inhabitants of this pious land ‘Duggar Pradesh’ who are proud Dogras have a feel for our mother tongue ‘Dogri’. If we wish to celebrate this day in real sense then it should never be a formality but should infuse reverence for mother tongue and inspire us to be more innovative in our efforts with all creativity.
Let we all contribute with our individual efforts and work for making Dogri a language of masses, a mother tongue in real terms. For this acceptability more and more efforts are needed to be made.
Let we feel proud for being a Dogra.
Let we Dogras make it a point that we will prefer to speak in Dogri.
Why to feel scared and ashamed for same? It should be a proud feeling and let we enjoy that proud feel.
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