NDS’s 26-Year Journey: Fostering Dogra Art, Culture and Language

The dynamic expressions of Dogra art, culture, and language are based on the rich past of the scenic region of Jammu and Kashmir. The Dogras have made a substantial contribution to the diversity of Indian culture with their unique cultural identity. Nami Dogri Sanstha (NDS) is the driving force behind protecting and advancing this exceptional cultural heritage. The Dogri language is a linguistic treasure that reflects centuries of history and customs, and NDS is essential to its preservation. The organization also promotes pride and solidarity within the Dogra community by carrying the torch for Dogra art and culture. NDS acts as a cultural custodian, guaranteeing the survival and growth of Dogra’s legacy for future generations through a variety of programmes and celebrations.

Nami Dogri Sanstha (NDS) organizes a highly significant celebration to commemorate its 26th Foundation Day, showcasing its steadfast dedication to the dissemination of the Dogri language and the development of cultural pride within the Dogra community via the expressive mediums of art and culture. NDS’s primary goal is to preserve and advance the Dogri language, a treasure that is intricately woven with the region’s history and culture. Over the twenty-six years since its establishment, NDS has emerged as a major force, both actively advocating for Dogri as a language deserving of respect and recognition and shielding it from the dangers of neglect. Celebrated classical musician and former principal of the Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Jammu, Professor B.S. Bali, is the recipient of an accolade that adds even more significance to the celebrations. Prof. Bali’s incredible 66-year musical career, marked by unshakable dedication and an unwavering pursuit of artistic perfection, is proof of the heights that may be reached when commitment and passion are in synchronization. In addition to celebrating his particular genius, his recent 83rd birthday distinction as a renowned “Sangeet Kalashree Nipun” honours the Dogra culture’s eternal ethos, which NDS ardently strives to propagate. The 26th Foundation Day’s shining presence of luminaries in academia and culture, such as Prof. K.L. Bhatia and Padamdshri Jatinder Udhampuri, highlights the group’s dedication to the cause that NDS is fighting for. As the Chief Guest, Prof. Bhatia praised NDS’s ongoing efforts to promote Dogri culture and emphasized the critical role that these programmes play in creating togetherness by preserving the unique cultural identity of the Dogra region. The function’s chairperson, Padamdshri Jatinder Udhampuri, spoke extensively about Duggar, the homeland of the Dogras, and its rich historical past. His understanding of the complex aspects of Duggar’s past struck a chord with the audience, highlighting the significance of historical consciousness and cultural pride. During the event, distinguished Hindi and Dogri writer and Sahitya Academy Awardee Prof. Nirmal Vinod shared his thoughtful insights with A.Q. Manhas, the former Inspector General of Police. A.Q. Manhas emphasized Duggar’s ongoing secular characteristics and praised NDS for carrying on these attributes. Prof. Nirmal Vinod underlined how important it is for NDS to engage the next generation with Dogri and the vibrant Duggar culture in order to preserve cultural legacies in a world that is changing quickly. The importance of fine arts was clarified by Prof. Rakesh Sharma, who is a special invitee and the head of the fine arts department in Jammu. He articulated beautifully how NDS’s efforts in this regard help people become more significant and proud citizens by uplifting outlooks and calming minds. The future is envisioned by the leadership roles of Advocate Dogra Harish Kaila, the President, and Prof. Anupama Sharma, the Patron of NDS. Prof. Sharma emphasized NDS’s dedication to popularising Dogri through music, particularly with younger generations, by using music as a meaningful tool. Dogra Harish Kaila, an advocate, reaffirmed NDS’s commitment to fostering a sense of pride in youngsters who identify as Dogri or Duggar, highlighting the important and honourable task of conserving and transferring cultural legacies to future generations. Rajini Sharma was instrumental in coordinating the 26th Foundation Day event with the highest level of professionalism and elegance. Her assistance made sure everything went well and let the audience take in the diversity of cultures on show. NDS Executive Member Dr. Sushil Bhola offered a sincere vote of gratitude. His words of thanks struck a chord with the crowd as a whole, recognizing the contributions of all those who helped to make the celebration a huge success.

Thinking back on Nami Dogri Sanstha’s 26-year journey, it is clear that their dedication to using art and culture to promote Dogri pride and the Dogri language is a shining example of cultural resilience. NDS acknowledges individual efforts and upholds the communal spirit that preserves the rich cultural history of the Dogra region by paying tribute to legends such as Prof. B.S. Bali. The 26th Foundation Day event is a celebration of linguistic and cultural pride that reverberates through the ages, not merely a remembrance of the past. It also serves as a monument to the resilience and vitality of Dogra culture. Finally, acknowledging Nami Dogri Sanstha’s crucial role in safeguarding and advancing the linguistic and cultural legacy of the Dogra community, it is advisable for the government to contemplate extending financial aid, infrastructural assistance, and institutional acknowledgment. A collaborative effort between the government and NDS has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of cultural endeavors, guaranteeing the continual prosperity of Dogra art, language, and traditions. This alliance is pivotal in nurturing a resilient cultural heritage that instills pride not only in the hearts of the Dogra people but also resonates across the broader community.

#DograCulture #NDSCelebration #CulturalLegacy #DogriLanguage #ProfBSBali #26YearsOfNDS #CulturalPride #GovernmentSupport