New Delhi, May 09: In a prestigious Civil Investiture Ceremony held today in New Delhi, the President of India, DroupadiMurmu, bestowed the esteemed Padma Shri award upon Romalo Ram of Jammu and Kashmir for his remarkable contributions to the field of Art, particularly in the revival of Dogri Folk Song Geetru.
Romalo Ram, hailed as the real founder of Dogri Folk Song Geetru, has been instrumental in breathing new life into this traditional art form through his dedication and hard work.
Born on March 3, 1963, Ram pursued his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Jammu in 1985. He embarked on his journey as a Government Teacher in 1987 while simultaneously delving into writing Dogri Poems and Folk Songs. Throughout his career, he focused on enhancing education, especially in rural areas, and retired as ZEO,Ramnagar in March 2023.
Ram’s artistic endeavors began in 1980-81 under the banner “Romalo Ram and Party,” where he actively participated in local functions across the Jammu Region. He initiated the revolutionary “Mission MaaDogri,” laying the groundwork for the success of young aspirants in the region. Currently, more than 150 pupils are engaged in learning and perpetuating the traditional art form under his guidance.
The recipient has left an indelible mark through various mediums such as publishing his book “Geetruyen Di Fouhar” and contributing to newspapers like Dogri Times, Daily Excelsior, and others. Additionally, his excellence in the field is evident through cassettes, records, and published articles.
Ram’s talent was recognized by All India Radio (AIR) Jammu, where he achieved B-grade and B-high grade statuses in 1988 and 1995, respectively.
Ram’s contributions extend beyond his artistic endeavours; he has actively represented Dogri folk music in committees and served as a brand ambassador for the SVEEP program during elections.
Throughout his illustrious career, Ram has been the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the honorary “Gold Medal” in the Folk Song Competition at the National Youth Festival in 1999 and the “State Award” from the UT Government in 2022. His accolades also include the “Samapanund Rishi Samman” from the JK Sopori Academy of Music and Performing Arts and the “VirasatShri” from Doordarshan Jammu and Montage film industry.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the preservation and promotion of Dogri Folk Art, ShriRomalo Ram was honoured with the Padma Shri, a testament to his invaluable impact on the cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
