Delivering the 6th Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Lecture at the University of Jammu on Tuesday, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh said it is time to align the Dogra legacy with India’s mainstream global journey.
The Minister observed that India is now pursuing the same global strategies as developed nations and living up to international benchmarks.
Therefore, he said, if the Dogra region and the people of Jammu align themselves with this mainstream global journey, it would ensure the long-term sustainability of Dogra culture and pride.
Stressing the need to promote the Dogri language through contemporary mediums and curricula, Dr. Singh urged educational institutions such as the University of Jammu to take up this responsibility.
He emphasized that linguistic pride cannot depend solely on constitutional safeguards.
While acknowledging that Dogri has been included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and introduced as a subject in educational institutions, he noted that little has been done at the ground level for its promotion.
Making a strong case for encouraging Dogri among the youth, the Minister stated that imposition or sermonizing would not help as very little written communication is conducted in the language.
In a pointed remark, Dr. Singh noted that after the abrogation of Article 370, Dogri was made an official language in Jammu and Kashmir. Yet, he asked the audience how many of them had ever written even a single letter or application to a government office in Dogri.
He asserted that Dogri should be seen as a legacy asset that must evolve with contemporary trends rather than be treated as a liability. He also stressed the importance of linking the language with livelihood opportunities.
Dr. Singh further said that ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi took office, the Union Government has sought to bridge the gap between Jammu Division and Kashmir Valley, though the old mindset still lingers.
Addressing students, the Union Minister described the National Education Policy as a game-changer, liberating students and giving them greater choices.
Earlier, he said, most were confined by their parents’ preferences in subject selection, but now they enjoy the freedom to choose and combine subjects based on their aptitude.
Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir’s rich bio-resources, such as lavender, Dr. Singh also called for the promotion of Khadi.
He informed the gathering that the government is offering nearly 40 per cent subsidy on loans to encourage the production and sale of Khadi products.