Jammu, Jan 30: In celebration of the 76th Republic Day, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) organised a grand Rashtriya Dogri Kavi Sammelan at Abhinav Theatre in Jammu. The event, a tribute to Dogri literature and its cultural legacy, brought together distinguished poets from Jammu province and across India to celebrate the richness of the Dogri language.
The Sammelan was presided over by Padma Prof. Lalit Magotra, a prominent figure in Dogri literature, who emphasized the significance of preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Dogra community. In her address, Harvinder Kour, Secretary of JKAACL, reaffirmed the Academy’s dedication to promoting the Dogri language through literary events, book publications, and the documentation of the Dogra community’s legacy. She stressed that Dogri holds a vital place in Jammu and Kashmir’s linguistic and cultural landscape.
Dr. Javaid Rahi, Divisional Head of JKAACL Jammu, welcomed the audience and outlined the Sammelan’s broader goal of fostering unity, diversity, and integrity among various communities through poetry. He also shared that a parallel Kashmiri Mushaira was organized on the same day in Srinagar, with additional literary events planned in Punjabi, Gojri, and Pahari in the coming days.
The event began with a felicitation ceremony where participating poets were honored with shawls, mementoes, and publications from JKAACL in recognition of their contributions to Dogri literature. Eminent poets such as Padma Shri Prof. Lalit Magotra, Padma Shri Mohan Singh, Darshan Darshi, Kuldeep Abhishap, Dr. Om Goswami, Om Prakash Sharma ‘Vidyarthi’, Inderjeet Kesar, Thakur Khajur Singh, Susheel Begana, Satyapal Sharma Gadwalia, Vijaya Thakur, T.R. Magotra, Keemat Raj Sharma, Kewal Kumar Kewal, and Reeta Khadyal, as well as participants from Punjab and Delhi, enriched the Sammelan with their poetic contributions.
The event was expertly moderated by Padma Shri Mohan Singh, whose presence added depth to the sessions. The Sammelan was attended by a large audience, including prominent artists and writers such as Dr. Lalit Gupta, Ravinder Koul, Dr. A.S. Amn, Dr. Baljeet Raina, and others, who contributed to the rich cultural atmosphere. The Sammelan concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Sanjeev Rana, Additional Secretary of JKAACL, who expressed gratitude to the poets, literary enthusiasts, and organizers. Parveen Sharma anchored the event, ensuring its smooth flow. The event was a resounding success, further promoting the cultural and literary heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
