Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 22: Speaker Legislative Assembly, Kavinder Gupta today inaugurated 2-day All India Dogri Writers Conference at Abhinav Theatre here.
The Conference is being organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages on the eve of Dogri Manta Divas-the day Dogri language was included in 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003.
Kavinder Gupta lauded the role of writers for their continuous struggle to keep the language relevant which lead to its inclusion in the 8th Schedule. He 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.
Speaker said after Dogri language was included in 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution, more people are doing research on the language which is good for its promotion. He 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.
Speaking on the occasion Minister of State for Education Priya Sethi lauded the efforts of JKAACL for organizing this conference and 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. She stressed on the writers to provide interesting short stories in Dogri language to children which will attract them to read more in Dogri language.
Minister said soon JK will be the second State in the country to have cultural policy. She said the policy is being drafted and will be put in public domain very soon. She said the Government is committed to assist in preserving and developing regional languages and every step will be taken to preserve languages including Dogri.
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.
He said the JKAACL has activated all its sub-committees of regional languages and has empowered them to take independent decision regarding their own languages with an aim to develop the languages and increase activities in these languages.
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.
Prof Lalit Magotra delivered the presidential address and hoped that the papers presented in all the sessions will contribute a healthy discussion on the challenges faced by the regional languages, particularly Dogri as mother-tongue.
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.
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