Sham, Mankotia, Zorawar release Dogri video album “Duggar Daa Maan Bhadaayo” promiting culture, language
JK News Today
JAMMU, Oct 19: Reiterating that community participation is essential for preserving and promoting the Dogri language and culture, Senior BJP leader and MLA, Jammu North Sham Lal Sharma, MLA, Chenani Balwant Singh Mankotia, and Chairman, Team Jammu, Zorawar Singh Jamwal jointly released a new Dogri video album titled “Duggar Daa Maan Bhadaayo” amid an enthusiastic gathering at Royal Estate Banquet, Toph Sherkhania here today.
The album, produced and presented by Duggar Baraadari and Team Jammu, features lyrics penned by noted Dogri poet Brij Mohan, vocals by Rakesh Kumar and Sohan Lal, music composed by Naresh NB, and direction by Rajesh Khajuria.
Addressing the gathering, Sham Lal Sharma, who was the chief guest on the occasion, lauded Duggar Baraadari & Team Jammu for its continuous efforts in promoting Dogri culture through creative and cultural initiatives. He said the rich Dogra heritage symbolizes unity and coexistence, representing shared cultural pride among Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and Christians.
“Just as Punjabi achieved international recognition through strong cultural and artistic support, Dogri too must be promoted with sincerity and collective effort,” Sham Lal Sharma emphasized, urging people to take pride in speaking their mother tongue.
In his address, Balwant Singh Mankotia expressed concern over the declining use of Dogri among the younger generation, attributing it to the growing influence of Western culture. He cautioned that this disinterest could erode Dogra identity and stressed that educational institutions must take an active role in integrating Dogri into their curriculum to inspire linguistic pride among students.
Zorawar Singh Jamwal, while addressing the audience, called for a proactive approach by intellectuals, artists, and community groups to revive the vibrancy of the Dogri language. “It is easy to talk about preserving our mother tongue, but real progress demands collective action,” he said. “English is important, but Dogras must never feel hesitant to speak their own language. If people in other regions proudly use their mother tongues, why shouldn’t we?”
Families of martyrs Captain Tushar Mahajan (Shaurya Chakra), Captain Veer Udayman Singh (Sena Medal), and Major Akash Singh (Shaurya Chakra) were also present on the occasion. They appreciated the efforts of Team Jammu in promoting Dogra culture and expressed pride in seeing the organization work towards preserving the region’s glorious heritage.
Earlier, Randheer Singh Raipuria, Convenor of Duggar Baraadari, welcomed the dignitaries, chief guests, and families of martyrs, while the programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Heena Mahajan, Co-Convenor of Duggar Baraadari.
The event witnessed a large turnout of men, women, and youth, reflecting growing enthusiasm among people to reconnect with their linguistic and cultural roots.
During the function, all dignitaries present observed two minutes of silence to pay heartfelt homage to Late Sh. Gulchain Singh Charak Ji, a distinguished leader, former minister, and President of Dogra Sadar Sabha, who dedicated his life to public service and the promotion of Dogra culture and heritage.