Kasturi Lal
The knowledge of a culture, art and heritage is twined with the knowledge of mother language of a community. The Dogra ruler and generals of history who due to their unprecedented conquests, love and devotion to their language widely acclaimed by world remained unrecognized in the land of their birth. It was because of the dwindling condition of the Dogri language. The language which had got the patronage of Dogra rulers, after their rule, successive dispensation and other agencies adopted adverse promotional strategies The wind fall of study of language is attributed to deep conspiracy hatched by the British who forced the government to adopt Urdu as official language. Successive governments succeeded in their mission of not only unfolding contributions of kings but undermined their position. Successive dispensation led to cessation of official use as well as a medium of education in educational institutions depriving the language its depth and richness in literature. The language was kept away from the books and public perception intentionally.Neglect of local valour, art- culture was due to unavailable accessibility to literature. 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 cuisines which were cherished as symbol of provincial pride stopped to exist. The knowledge of Dogri language remained restricted to Mohallas as it was not allowed to be spread in the streets. Cultural differences and diverse social structures which prevented the acceptance of Dogri as regional Language defied the perception of rich Dogra culture and Heritage. It was expected from the available work force in the past that they should have fought for inclusion of Dogri language as a subject of study in syllabus of school education upto 5 classes in Schools of Jammu province where they abysmally failed.
Each one of us is swayed by the feeling of organizations who have taken initiatives in promotion of Dogri language. Surprisingly a new enthusiasm has resurged amongst sansthas, Sabhas, artists, poets, citizens and cultural academies regarding promotion of mother language Dogri. It has brought profound feeling of oneness. Likely such assertions can leave a trail of vision of prosperous future for Dogri language
Recent estimates depict only 10 percent of the population in urban areas of Jammu is speaking Dogri and 90 percent of this 10 percent individuals are above the age of 40 years. it is estimated that by 2050 the numbers of individuals speaking Dogri in urban areas will be negligible and the language will gradually stop to exists in due course of time
Dogri is the mother language of around 30lakh people staying in Jammu province and an equal number stayingin other states and abroad. As per the 92nd amendments to the constitutions of India, known as the constitution act 2003, Dogri language was given the status of official language in the country besides other 21 languages. It was included in the schedule eight to the constitution on 23rd September 2020. Lok Shaba passed J&K official languages (Amendment) bill making Dogri as the official language of the UT of J&K as well as in the country
National policy dictates that the official languages are taught as compulsory subject in primary classes. This helps students to know their rich culture, moral values and traditional knowledge.
Their established identity will connect them with people and build healthy relationships. Even National Education Policy NEP-2020. points out that in the medium of study between I to 5th, Mother Language should find place. Unfortunately, Dogri does not find place as a subject of study in union territory of J&K. Paradoxically English and Urdu languages which are spoken by less than 1% of J&K are taught as compulsory subjects in most of the schools. State council of educational research and training in the syllabus issued for year2022-2023 have listed Math, Science, English, Hindi /Urdu and social Science as subjects of study for classes Ist to 8th ignoring the claim of NEP 2020.
The parents are required to put a premium on giving their children the positive well rounded up bringing which they need rather than projecting the spoken English as a symbol of status and civilization. They should focus on the education of their wards which provides foresight in dealing with population Mother language encourages an individual to do things that bring faith, gratitude, positiveness ,humility love and unselfishness. Parents are guiding light whose love shows the children the way .They have to create a ripple that by leveraging education upliftment of citizens is possible.Prioritizing regional language, knowledge of facts or so to say modern scientific knowledge and knowledge of technology and research can be realized. What Macaulay could not do, the system of education in union territory has done. It has burgeoned a class of persons who are Indian in blood and colour but English in taste, in opinion, in moral and in intellect. A population has been created which apparently looks Indian but fundamentally foreigner to Indian thought and values.
A conflict of interest is arising from entrepreneurial activities adopted by private educational system. Education is being increasingly marketed like commodities. The value is determined by advertisements and sale gimmicks such as foreign pattern, not the credibility of their social responsibilities. The usual strategy is attracting students by attractive advertisements.Our system of education is not giving any prominence to accounts of social change. It requires a system of education where language of knowledge of science is concurrently imparted with knowledge of local language.
The dwindling condition of the Dogri language is attributed to adverse promotional strategies. The activities were counted for self-promotion rather than any consideration for promotion of language. Infact, the educational system in Jammu province which was facing the issue of relevance,it required a curriculum to meet the demand of Dogri language. Successive Dogri Scholars held on to the past and clung to the way things were. There was no progress. They did not realize as to where they would go that counts. A movement of improved vision of prosperous future for the regional language, the success of which may or may not have been seen by them in their life but definitely by the posterity. We are at cross roads as to how to face the challenges of diverse cultural differences.
Some cumbersome processes and regulations and bureaucratic hurdles have impacted the growth of Dogri language learning. We have to adopt strategic measures, create reform in system of education and apply targeted intervention for a sustainable educational system for Dogri language. We have to be in forefront to develop skilled workforce which require to create centers of excellence of Dogri education, provide job opportunity to qualified teachers in schools, colleges and universities. As progress requires beginning with education of children. The study of Dogri Language must be introduced in schools at primary level as compulsory subject of study. By developing interest amongst students and teachers, we would safeguard the spiritual treasure and enrich generations to know Dogra history and culture. A movement for revitalization of regional language is desired to bring forth true nature of Dogra culture and traditions. Public awareness and participation are vital component for the success of this policy. A satellite channel devoted to relay of Dogri news and cultural activities can fill the unbridged gap. We are required to remain steadfast and tall through storms and trails.
As an organ which is not used, it gets atrophied. Similarly, a stich in time can save nine. Out of time, we have to engage citizens in decision making. Regular dialogue with stakeholders such as civil society, organizations, communities and individuals will provide suitable development. We have to sanitize media to raise issues of neglect of Dogri language by parents, Govt. agencies, educational institution. Reversal of present situation can be achieved if there is public support in finding place on signspots at establishments, banks, municipal corporation, revenue department. It requires collective resolve to restore usage.
Dogra as a larger society is showing signs of charting out a path that will lead to inclusion of Dogri as a medium of study in school education. Diverse opinions to be collated in harmonious wave and commitment to take a pledge for a larger Social good.
The author is Director (UKL Medical Center, Jammu)
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