Jammu : The Sahitya Akademi, under the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) Wednesday inaugurated a two-day Dogri Poetry Festival at the Writers’ Club, K.L. Sehgal Hall- Jammu.
The inaugural session commenced with a welcome address by Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Shanmukhananda, who highlighted the Academy’s sustained efforts towards the promotion and preservation of Indian languages with special emphasis on Dogri.
Convener, Dogri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, presented the introductory address and underlined the importance of Dogri literature in India’s multilingual literary tradition.
The keynote address was delivered by eminent Dogri writer Khajur Singh Thakur, who elaborated on the evolution and contemporary relevance of Dogri literature.
Speaking on the occasion, Additional Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Lal Chand emphasized the vital role of literary institutions in safeguarding and promoting regional languages and cultural heritage.
The presidential address was delivered by noted Dogri writer Om Goswami, who shared valuable insights into the creative journey of Dogri literature and stressed the need to encourage young and emerging writers. The proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks by Reeta Khadyal, Editor, Dogri.
After the inaugural session, the first poetry reading session was conducted under the Chairmanship of Darshan Darshi. Prominent poets including Balak Ram Bral, Bishan Singh Dardi, Gopal Krishan Komal, Puran Chander Sharma and Vijaya Thakur recited their poems, showcasing the depth, diversity and vibrancy of Dogri poetic expression.
The second poetry session featured poetic recitations by Ajay Athamian, Promila Manhas and Randhir Singh Raipuria. The session was presided over by Vijay Verma.
The inaugural day witnessed enthusiastic participation from writers, scholars and literature enthusiasts, setting an inspiring tone for the two-day Dogri Poetry Festival.
