Jammu, Feb 16- :-The first-ever book in English, titled Doyens of Dogri Literature, is steadily capturing the market. This over 200-page book, authored by eminent journalist and writer O.P. Sharma and published by Starline Syndicate Service, Jammu, provides a comprehensive biographical sketch of all 50 Sahitya Akademi Awardees in Dogri. The book highlights the literary contributions of these luminaries and their role in promoting the Dogri language and literature.
Prominent Dogri writers featured in the book include Prof. Ram Nath Shastri, Padma Sachdev, Kehri Singh ‘Madhukar,’ Dinoo Bhai Pant, Krishen Smailpuri, Kunwar Viyogi, Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri, Ved Rahi, Om Goswami, Mohan Singh, Yash Sharma, Abhishap, Darshan Darshi, Deen Bandhu, Om Vidyarthi, Shiv Nath, Champa Sharma, Lalit Magotra, Shailinder Singh, Shiv Mehta, Inderjeet Kesar, Veena Gupta, Vijay Verma, and several others.
The book is receiving a positive response from readers interested in Dogri language and culture. Dedicated to universal mankind, Dogri writers, and readers, this literary work aims to foster greater appreciation and awareness of Dogri literature. Recognized as one of India’s national languages, Dogri enjoys an esteemed status in Jammu and Kashmir. In line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2000, mother tongues like Dogri and Kashmiri have been given due importance, emphasizing the need to promote them at all educational levels and make them more accessible to the people.
Institutions such as the Sahitya Akademi (New Delhi), J&K Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, along with Radio and Doordarshan stations, the J&K Information Department, and other media outlets, are playing a significant role in supporting the growth and development of regional languages.
Available for Rs. 700/-, Doyens of Dogri Literature features messages from distinguished personalities, including Dr. Karan Singh, Prof. Umesh Rai (Vice-Chancellor, Jammu University), Dr. Sudhir S. Bloeria (former VC, Jammu Central University), K.B. Jandial (Retd. IAS), Dr. Kasturi Lal (former Principal, GMC and Chairman, Senior Citizen Support System Club), Neeraj Rohmetra (Executive Editor, Daily Excelsior), Prof. Lalit Mangotra (President, Dogri Sanstha), Capt. Lalit Kumar Sharma, IFS (Convener, Nami Dogri Sanstha), Major Gen. Govardhan Singh Jamwal, Major Gen. S.K. Sharma, and Padma Shri Dr. Jitendra Udhampuri.
Printed on high-quality paper with superior printing, the book contains several colored photographs that enhance its visual appeal. A product of extensive research, in-depth interviews, and meticulous study of historical records, this volume is expected to ignite a deeper interest in Dogri literature and inspire further academic research.
It is anticipated that Doyens of Dogri Literature will find a place in educational institutions, libraries, and personal collections, contributing significantly to the promotion and preservation of Dogri language and literature.
