JAMMU, JAN 30: In celebration of the 76th Republic Day, the Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) organized a grand Rashtriya Dogri Kavi Sammelan at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu on Thursday. The event, which brought together esteemed poets from Jammu and across the country, highlighted the richness of Dogri literature and its cultural significance. The Sammelan was presided over by Padma Shri Prof. Lalit Magotra, a renowned figure in Dogri literature.
As per the statement issued to The Newsroom 24 – Awaz, Harvinder Kour, Secretary of JKAACL, emphasized the Academy’s dedication to promoting and preserving the Dogri language. She highlighted the importance of Dogri in the cultural and linguistic landscape of Jammu and Kashmir and shared the Academy’s efforts in publishing books, journals, and dictionaries in Dogri, ensuring the documentation of the Dogra community’s long-standing legacy.
Dr. Javaid Rahi, Divisional Head of JKAACL Jammu, delivered the welcome address, stating that the Sammelan’s broader objective was to foster unity, integrity, and diversity through poetry. He also mentioned that a parallel Kashmiri Mushaira was held on the same day at Tagore Hall, Srinagar, with plans for more literary events in Punjabi, Gojri, and Pahari in the upcoming days.
The Sammelan commenced with a felicitation ceremony where the participating poets were honored with shawls, mementoes, and publications from the Academy, recognizing their contributions to Dogri literature.
The event featured prominent 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, among others from Jammu. Poets Sh. Gopal Krishan Sharma ‘Ferozpuri’ and Dr. Lekh Raj Sharma from Punjab, and Vikas Magotra, Smt. Neha Sharma, and Smt. Kajal Suri from Delhi also participated. The Sammelan’s proceedings were expertly conducted by Padma Shri Mohan Singh, whose moderation enriched the poetic sessions.
The event drew a large audience, including well-known artists and writers such as Dr. Lalit Gupta, Ravinder Koul, Dr. A.S. Amn, Dr. Baljeet Raina, and many others, contributing to the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the gathering.
The Sammelan concluded with a vote of thanks by Sanjeev Rana, Additional Secretary of JKAACL, who acknowledged the contributions of the poets, literary enthusiasts, and organizers. The event was anchored by Parveen Sharma, whose diligent coordination ensured the smooth flow of proceedings.
