Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 21: For the promotion of Dogri Language in Jammu and Kashmir International Mother Language day was celebrated by various organisations here today.
In this regard, a programme was organised by Senior Service Support Club (SSSC), during which lectures cum Rallies were organized at nine places by Schools namely, Tiny Tots, Sainik Colony, JK Public School Sainik Colony, Cooperative Public School, ASN Higher Secondary School, UP Public School, Modern Public School, Luthra Acadmy, Himmat Learning Field Higher Secondary School & NSK High School.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Kasturi Lal Gupta, Former Principal Medical College and Club Chairman, said that scholars, whose efforts for Promotion of Language would have been lauded for Promotion of regional language were found to be conspicuous by its absence. The traditional festivals and cuisine, which were cherished as a symbol of provincial pride, stopped to exist.
Dr Ashok Kumar Gupta Club President and Retd Drug Controller J&K emphasises that only 10% of the population in urban areas of Jammu is speaking Dogri.
“It is estimated that by 2050, there will be no of individuals speaking Dogri in urban areas , negligible the language will gradually stop to exist in due course of time,” he said.
Nearly 250 students besides school teachers and staff participated.
Meanwhile, a similar programme was organised by the Directorate of Distance and Online Education (DD&OE), University of Jammu to mark the International Mother Language Day.
Prof. Anju Bhasin, Dean Academic Affairs, University of Jammu was the Chief Guest and Prof. Sucheta Pathania, Dean Faculty of Arts was the Guest of Honor whereas Prof. Pankaj Srivastava, Director, DD&OE presided over the function.
Prof. Anju Bhasin in her presidential address emphasized the need for progressive writing in Dogri and good translation of books from different languages into Dogri.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Sucheta Pathania emphasized the use of mother languages in the education of children because they can understand things easily in their mother tongue.
The other dignitaries who shared the dais included Prof. Savita Nayar, Convener, NSS Unit, Jammu University and Dr. Jasleen Kaur, DD&OE.
A large number of students, scholars, faculty members of language departments of the University and intellectuals were present on this occasion.
The Department of Linguistics and Literature, School of Humanities and Liberal Arts, Cluster University of Jammu also celebrated International Mother Language Day here today.
In this regard, a Mushaira (Kavi Goshthi) was organised in various mother languages.
The event was graced by Prof. Veena Gupta, Sahitya Academy Awardee and former Head, Department of Dogri, Jammu University as Chief Guest.
The Registrar, Cluster University of Jammu, Dr. Jatinder Khajuria was the Guest of honour on the occasion.
The Chief Guest of the occasion, Prof. Veena Gupta addressed the gathering with her words of wisdom and spoke about the urgent requirement to return to our native languages in order to preserve the local language and cultures.
Prof. G.S Rakwal, Principal, M.A.M College highlighted the significance of learning different languages besides the mother tongue to meet the challenges of the contemporary world. Several students from the constituent colleges of Cluster University participated in the event with zeal and fervor showcasing their poetic talent through their mother tongues.
Dr. Ranvijay Singh, Dean Students’ Welfare applauded the efforts of the students and emphasized upon the promotion of Dogri language through the means of syllabi and curriculum of schools and colleges.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Deepika Mehra, Faculty, Dogri Department, M.A.M. College.
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