NDS Hosts Soulful Dogri Music Programme Honouring Col. (Dr.) S.C. Gupta
Jammu, June 9: Nami Dogri Sanstha (NDS) organised an enchanting evening dedicated to Dogri music, featuring a special performance by Col. (Dr.) Subhash Chander Gupta (Retd), a distinguished music composer and “B High Grade” AIR artist with a musical career spanning over five decades. The event witnessed a large gathering of music composers, singers, art connoisseurs, and Dogri language enthusiasts.
The programme was presided over by Wing Commander M.M. Joshi (Retd), who also serves as the National Commissioner for Scouts and Guides, Chairman of Lawrence Public School, and Founder Advisor of Gandhi Global Family. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Maj. Gen. S.K. Sharma, AVSM, a well-known social worker and passionate promoter of Dogri language. Special Guest Kamal Sharma, former SP and acclaimed rhythmist, drama artist, and actor, graced the occasion along with Guest of Honour, renowned Dogri singer Anita Sharma, a beloved name in Dogri music circles.
The dignitaries shared the dais with Prof. Anupama Sharma, Patron of NDS and a well-known singer, and Advocate Dogra Harish Kaila, President of NDS. Yash Pal Yash, General Secretary of NDS, skillfully conducted the proceedings in his captivating style.
In recognition of his lifelong contribution to music and culture, NDS conferred the “Sanstha Sammaan” upon Col. (Dr.) S.C. Gupta, honouring him with a citation, shawl, and trophy. Other eminent guests on the dais were also felicitated with mementos.
Col. (Dr.) Gupta, who has composed over 900 musical pieces including bhajans, kafis, ghazals, shabads, and Punjabi and Dogri songs, presented five melodious Dogri compositions penned by noted Dogri poets. Accompanying him were Ustad Dr. Murli Manohar, former HoD of the Tabla Department at Guru Nanak Dev University Amritsar, on tabla; Vijay Anand on dholak; Rakesh Jasotra on flute; and Sunil Sharma on synthesizer. His soulful performance captivated the audience, who were in awe of his continued creativity and passion for music well into his late seventies.
On popular demand, Anita Sharma mesmerised the audience with two evergreen Dogri songs — “Koon Koon Koon, Katani Aan Mein Roon” and “Tu Malla Tu” — which turned the evening into a truly memorable musical celebration.
Capt. Lalit Sharma, IFS (Retd), Convener of NDS, opened the programme by stressing the need for innovation in Dogri music, calling for fresh dimensions to keep the art form vibrant and appealing to newer generations. He underlined the importance of preserving and promoting Dogri folk music, which he termed as the very soul of the language.
Wing Commander M.M. Joshi praised the initiative of NDS, emphasizing that music, art, and culture are vital in uniting society and providing it with direction. He urged everyone to strengthen their cultural roots to preserve collective identity.
Maj. Gen. S.K. Sharma highlighted the rich cultural legacy of the Dogras and called on families to speak Dogri at home so that the language is passed on to children naturally from a young age.
Anita Sharma, while applauding the emerging young talent, advised aspiring artists to remain disciplined and committed in their practice to truly master their art. Kamal Sharma described music as a form of worship and a meditative tool that spreads positivity in society.
The event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by noted Dogri poet Narinder Singh Chib.
Among the notable attendees were Wing Commander Nirmal Kumar, Secretary NDS; Dr. Nirmal Vinod, eminent poet and writer; Mangal Dass Pangotra, renowned writer; Shambu Ram Pyasa, Treasurer NDS; Mangal Singh Jamwal from Jagti; Balwan Singh Jamwal, former DC; Ramesh Sharma, Secretary of Brahman Sabha; Subhash Shastri, President of the National Mazdoor Conference; N.D. Sharma; famed singer Jatinder Kaur; Pt. Girdhari Lal; Prof. S.P. Chopra; Anita Chopra; and Shavinder Kumar, all of whom added to the grandeur of the evening.
