Shadow Correspondent
Jammu, MAY 17:
It is very unfortunate that ancient Dogra culture is eroding and the days are not far when it will just remain in chapters of history of Jammu and Kashmir, if the people of Jammu region fails to take a collective call on the issue. This was expressed by members of Team Jammu, Parmeshwari Care & Cure Charitable Trust, Senior Citizens Support Service Club and representatives of several other social organizations while addressing a joint press conference at Press Club of Jammu, here today. The speakers including Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Chairman, Team Jammu, Prof. (Dr.) Kulbushan Mohtra, Managing Director, Parmeshwari Care & Cure Charitable Trust, Major General Shiv Kumar Sharma, C.M. Seth (retd IFS), Ramesh Khajuria, Chairman, Wool & Wollens Export Council & Chairman CEPC, Ministry of Textile and Retd. Dy. Director Vijay Gupta dwelt at length that there is dire need to start a vigorous campaign guiding yo unger generation to follow their roots by speaking mother tongue Dogri, wearing Dogra dresses and preparing delicious Dogra cuisine at least once a week in their respective homes. Stressing upon the elders in the families to come forward and educate their dear ones about the Dogra culture and heritage, its values and rituals, the speakers said that the Dogras have history of bravery, supreme sacrifices and splendid contribution in the social equality, progress and prosperity of their motherland and this all should not remain in books but be shared with others and make them adopt the Dogra rituals, dress, food and festivals in lives. They argued that there is no doubt that younger generation can’t be bereft of learning other languages including English but not at the cost of completing leaving mother tongue Dogri. The speakers demanded that as the Dogri language has been recognized as state’s one the official languages, so it must be introduced in all the schools from Primary level. They also appealed the private school institutions owned by Dogras to take the lead and introduce Dogri as subject up-till Primary level in their respective institutions. They further appealed to all the social and community organizations including Dogra Sadar Sabha, Shri Amar Khastriya Rajput Sabha, Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, Mahajan Sabha, Yuva Rajput Sabha, Guru Ravidass Sabha, Vishwakarma Sabha, Kabir Sabha, Valmiki Sabha, Saryara Biradari, Guru Nabha Dass Sabha, and others to come forward and collectively contribute in the noble cause by becoming a strong voice to promote Dogri and Dogra culture.
The speakers further said that that the Dogra or Dogri is not a religion or a separate class but it is a beautiful bunch of the vast community living in harmony and cordial atmosphere since very long times. He said that the Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs and many other communities are part of Dogra culture and hence they all must work towards making it the first choice of young generations.
They suggested the Dogra families to devote at least one day in a week towards promotion of Dogri and Dogra culture. The males should wear Dogra pagri, females should wear Dogra dress once a week. Dogra food/dishes should be cooked and everyone should talk in Dogri with others.
