Literary figures architect of public conscience: Sham

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Aug 12: Describing the writers, poets and other literary figures as the architect of public conscience, the Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today said that the Government was keen to extend every support to this highly revered group of people.
The Minister was speaking at the Dogri Kavi-Goshti organized by the Department of Information, Jammu as part of the Independence Day celebrations with a special focus to promote Dogri and its literary heritage.
The poets including Susheel Begana, Mohan Singh, Gianeshwar, Surjit Hosh, Rattan Doshi, Virener Kesar, Randhir Raipuria, Pardhuman Singh Jandrahia, Usha Kiran, Santosh Khajuria, Champa Sharma, Yash Raina, Satpal Mishra and Prof. Ved Ghai recited their poems in praise of the nation and the national heroes who gave great sacrifices to free the country from the foreign rulers.
He said holding of such programmes   immensely help in promoting the various aspects of literary traditions attached to a language, besides providing a platform to the young and potential poets and writers to exhibit their talent.
The Minister stressed the need for holding such events at regular intervals, particularly in the rural areas where many talented persons fail to come in limelight due to lack of platform and opportunity.
Highlighting the importance of organising such programmes, the Minister said that people should encourage use of their regional dialects to preserve the same for the coming generations.
Earlier, presenting the welcome address, Joint Director Information, Soujanya Sharma highlighted the role of the literature in shaping the future of the nations and countries. He said the poetry emerged as an effective medium to spread the message of nationalism during the freedom moment and referred to the   enthusiasm   that Bankim Chander Paul’s   Vande-matarm infused among the countrymen.
Among others, Deputy Directors Information, Rajinder Singh Jamwal, Joyti Slathia, Pran Singh, Additional Secretary JKAACL  Savita Bakshi, President Dogri Sanstha, Prof. Lalit Magotra, Prof. Reeta Jatendra, besides many intellectuals and literary personalities attended the function.