Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 2: Being considered as a significant addition in children literature, Sudesh Raj’s latest Dogri children short story book titled ‘Jungle Di Sair’ was released in a literary function organized by Dogri Sanstha at K L Saigal hall, here today. Sham Lal Sharma, Minister of PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control was the chief guest of the function while Saujanaya Sharma, Director Tourism, Anjali Sharma, Asst. Director, Doordarshan Kendra Jammu, were the guests of honour. Prof Lalit Magotra, president, Dogri Sanstha in his introductory remarks said that in light of the alarming development of new generation not speaking the mother tongue, Sanstha has already taken steps like publication of comic books in Dogri to catch the interest of children. He said, Sudesh Raj’s children short story book is a welcome addition in the same direction. Sudesh Raj in her address said what children learn during the tender age of eight to ten years becomes bedrock of their moral and ethical value system. She said that her present work is dedicated to new generation. Prof Shashi Pathania, presenting critique of the book said that Jungle Di Sair’, written in simple, easy to understand Dogri language and illustrated by author’s daughter Swati Sharma are didactic in nature and aimed at inculcating basic moral and ethical values in children. Saujanaya Sharma, in his remarks, suggested that in order to attract children towards Dogri, modern comics should be dubbed in Dogri and telecast from local TV channels. Speaking on the occasion Anjali Sharma said, it was a misconception that learning of mother tongue can hamper child’s capacity to learn other languages. She said that a child can learn four languages at the same time. The chief guest Sham Lal Sharma while appreciating the author for producing the Dogri book for the younger generation, advocated for introduction of Dogri subjects in schools from the elementary level. He also stressed that parents should interact with their children in local language to promote it from the homes. The Minister suggested earmarking more slots for Dogri programmes in the local channels and Doordarshan for the benefits of people. He also called for proper marketing of Dogri books to create interests among the readers as also to encourage the writers. Prof Veena Gupta, General Secretary, Dogri Sanstha, presented vote of thanks. The function attended by a large number of Dogri writers, poets, scholars and members of civil society was conducted by Raj Kumar Behrupia.
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