Jammu, a region steeped in cultural richness, historical significance, and linguistic diversity, has long struggled with marginalization in India’s media landscape. Despite its vibrant cultural tapestry and substantial contributions to the country’s heritage, Jammu’s distinct identity remains underrepresented, particularly in the national and regional media. The absence of a dedicated Duggar Channel, which would serve to promote and preserve Jammu’s languages, traditions, and artistic expressions, is a glaring omission that exacerbates the region’s cultural invisibility. This neglect is felt most acutely by Jammu’s artists, artisans, and cultural custodians, who have long championed the region’s heritage but are left without a platform to share their work. A Duggar Channel is essential not just for media representation, but also for safeguarding Jammu’s regional identity, boosting its local economy, and preserving its cultural heritage for future generations.
The linguistic diversity of Jammu is a key element of its cultural identity. The region is home to several languages, including Dogri, Gojri, Bhaderwahi, and Pahari, each of which has its own distinct traditions and cultural expressions. Under Dogra rule, Jammu’s culture thrived, and its languages played an integral role in shaping the region’s identity. However, as time has passed, these languages have faced increasing neglect, both in terms of official recognition and media representation. The inclusion of Dogri in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003 was a significant milestone, achieved after 56 years of struggle. More recently, Dogri’s addition to Google Translate’s database reflects its importance in the linguistic landscape. However, these achievements, while notable, are insufficient without a dedicated platform like the Duggar Channel to further promote and sustain the region’s languages and cultural expressions. The absence of a Duggar Channel stands in stark contrast to other regions that have successfully secured their own dedicated media platforms. For instance, states like Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh have been granted channels that cater specifically to their cultural and linguistic needs, providing a much-needed boost to local identity and heritage. Jammu’s continued efforts to establish a Duggar Channel, despite widespread support, have been met with bureaucratic indifference. A signature campaign, which has gathered over 400,000 signatures in favour of the channel, demonstrates the depth of public support for this cause. However, the authorities have yet to take meaningful action, perpetuating the region’s exclusion from the broader media narrative. The existing Kosher Channel, meant to represent the entire Jammu and Kashmir region, is heavily Kashmir-centric, focusing primarily on Kashmiri language and culture. For the people of Jammu, where Kashmiri is neither spoken nor understood by the majority, this disconnect is stark. Jammu province surpasses Kashmir in both geographical size and linguistic diversity, yet its languages, including Dogri, Poonchi, Gojri, and Bhaderwahi, remain largely overlooked in regional broadcasting. This lack of representation underscores the urgent need for a Duggar Channel, one that reflects the unique cultural landscape of Jammu and gives voice to its people. The Duggar Channel would serve as a critical medium for the transmission of cultural knowledge and values to future generations. By airing programs in Dogri, Gojri, and other regional languages, the channel would help to ensure that these languages continue to be spoken, learned, and cherished. It would also provide an invaluable space for the region’s artists, musicians, writers, and performers to showcase their talents and share their work with a broader audience, thereby fostering a sense of pride and unity within the community.
The establishment of a Duggar Channel is not just a matter of cultural pride; it is a matter of cultural survival. Without a dedicated media platform, Jammu’s heritage is at risk of being forgotten, and its artists are at risk of being silenced. . A Duggar Channel would not only correct this imbalance but would also serve as a vital tool for promoting and preserving Jammu’s cultural heritage. The government must recognize the importance of this issue and take immediate steps to ensure that Jammu’s voice is heard through a platform that truly represents its people. The time for action is now, and the people of Jammu deserve nothing less.