Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 24: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) organized a day-long Dogri conference to mark “Dogri Manta Divas” at K L Saigal Hall, Jammu.
Deepika Sharma, Secretary in Department of Culture , J&K inaugurated the event and the inaugural session was presided over by Padma Shri Mohan Singh. The presidium included prominent personalities such as Darshan Darshi, renowned Dogri poet; Dr Om Goswami, eminent writer; Dr Javaid Rahi, Divisional Head JKAACL Jammu; and Reeta Khadyal, Editor Dogri.
Addressing the gathering, Deepika Sharma informed that 32 new schemes have been approved to advance art, culture, and languages in Jammu and Kashmir. She also directed JKAACL to organize a week-long Dogri Theatre Festival to engage younger audiences and instill pride in their cultural roots.
Earlier, Dr Javaid Rahi outlined the objectives of the event. This was followed by a keynote address by Dr Om Goswami. The guest of honour D K Vaid, underscored the importance of preserving Dogri literature and culture for future generations.
In his presidential address, Padma Shri Mohan Singh stressed the need for greater efforts to establish Dogri’s rightful place in educational and cultural institutions.
The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Reeta Khadyal.
The event continued with a vibrant poetry session, presided over by Dr Jitender Udhampuri. The presidium included Prakash Premi, Om Prakash Sharma “Vidyaarthi,” and Inderjeet Kesar. Renowned poets such as Vijay Verma, Balwan Singh Jamorhia, Raj Kumar Sharma “RAJ RAHI,” Usha Kiran Sharma, Gopal Krishan Komal, Anand Khajuria, Randhir Singh Raipuria, Capt Lalit Sharma, Girdhari Lal “Rahi,” Vijaya Thakur, Dhiraj Bismil, Dev Raj Marehal, Kewal Kumar Kewal, Mohan Lal Sharma, Abdul Quddir Kundria, Roshan Bral, Mohinder Panchervi, Ajay Singh, Neha Devi, Daleep Singh, Priyanka Verma, and Sahil Badyal who presented their works.
A musical evening followed, featuring mesmerizing Dogri performances. Highlights included a Dogri song by Ravi Raghuvanshi, a Dogri Suhag by Reeta Khadyal, and a Dogri folk song by Asha Kesar, among others. The ultimate highlight was a Dogri folk song mashup by Kusha Sharma and Chinmay Sharma, which captivated the audience.