Secretary Culture inaugurates 4-Day Dogri Literary, Cultural Festival at Jammu

Art and Literature is the mirror that reflects the socio cultural milieu.  Artist to be involved in culture department activities: Dr Shah

JAMMU, February 24: “Literature has the power to move all age groups and sections of society. It is a constructive force to ensure that our culture and diversity thrives.” The remarks were made by Secretary Culture, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah while inaugurating 4-Day Dogri Literary and Cultural Festival at KL Saigal Hall, Abhinav Theatre today.

The festival was inaugurated in presence of Padma Shri, Dr Jitendra Udhampuri; President Dogri Sanstha Jammu, Prof Lalit Magotra and Prof Veena Gupta. Secretary JKAACL, Bharat Singh was also present at the occasion.

In his address, Dr Shah shared his views on the power of literature to shape society and emphasised that literary works of all kinds have great power and can move all age groups and sections of society.

Dr Shah urged people, particularly the youth, to take pride in their respective mother tongues and use them frequently. He also highlighted the significance of literature in bringing attention to social issues and initiating public discourse.

He expressed the government’s commitment to the revival and promotion of Dogri, Dogra culture, and other cultures of Jammu & Kashmir. He promised to provide necessary funds and infrastructure to achieve this goal. The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Arts, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) was also highlighted for its role in keeping the cultures of the region alive.

The Secretary Culture encouraged the use of digital media and online platforms to attract the youth towards their respective cultures. He stressed the importance of instilling discipline in the youth to study literature.

Keynote address was given by Prof Veena Gupta in which she appreciated the academy for stimulating cultural activities in Jammu. She highlighted the need to assert one’s culture and identity to ensure that it passes onto future generations.

Prof Lalit Magotra said that languages have a vital role in keeping culture alive and that their death leads to the demise of a culture. He also advocated increased use of Dogri and other official languages of J&K.

Padma Shri Jitendra Udhampuri called for creating modern content in Dogri to attract youngsters and children towards the language. He suggested instating magazines and cartoon series etc for this purpose.

Welcome address was given by Secretary JKAACL, Bharat Singh, who thanked the poets for representing public sentiments through their content.

A performance of folk dance Geetru was later presented by Khajoor Singh and Party. 

Additional Secretary JKAACL, Dr Arvinder Singh Amn, presented vote of thanks .The inaugural session was conducted by Editor Dogri, JKAACL, Dr Ratan Basotra.