Governor presents Dogra Ratan Awards

Vohra calls for promotion of languages, literature as these represent history

JAMMU, DEC 6: The Governor, Mr. N. N. Vohra, conferred Dogra Ratan Awards-2009 to six prominent personalities for their exceptional contributions in varied fields at a function held at Abhinav Theatre, here this evening.

The recipients of the Dogra Ratan Awards include former Vice Chancellor of the Jammu University, Prof. R. R. Sharma, a distinguished Dogri writer, Prof. Madan Mohan Sharma, and noted Dogri folk singer, Mr. Parduman Singh Jindrahiya. Mrs. Yashorajya Lakshmi, Maj. Akash Singh and Mr. Ashok Sodhi, were conferred with Dogra Ratan Awards posthumously.

The Awards instituted by the Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History and sponsored by The Voice of Millions Publications, comprises a shawl, citation and memento.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor emphasized the need for promoting communal harmony, brotherhood and secular ethos, as these contributed in a big way to peace and normalcy which enables the harmonious growth of the society as a whole. Referring to the disturbances which took place last summer, he said that they caused enormous academic loss to the students, besides the gigantic economic loss.

The Governor said that we should also think of practical measures to protect and promote our languages and literature, which portray history and carry forward our invaluable heritage. Referring to Sanskrit and other languages, including Dogri, he said that there is need for building up these languages from the school level upwards.

The Governor congratulated the recipients of the Dogra Ratan Awards for their contributions in the various fields.

The Governor complimented Mr. Balwant Thakur for his play “Ghumayee” staged on the occasion, adding that the message portrayed by this play is frighteningly close to the situation likely to emerge in regard to water scarcity due to climate change. He said that the play gives a most powerful message about the need for water conservation and deserves to be shown to audiences at the national and international level.

The Governor also released a special issue of The Voice of Millions brought out on the occasion.

The Convenor, the Council for Promotion of Dogri Language, Culture and History, Prof. Bhim Singh spoke about the aims and objectives of instituting the Dogra Ratan Awards.

Earlier, the former Vice Chancellor of the Jammu University and the Chairman, Dogra Ratan Awards Committee, Prof. M. R. Puri, in his welcome address, appreciated the Governor for taking keen interest in the development and well being of the people of the State and his vision for tackling difficult and challenging situations.

The Vice Chairman of the Dogra Rattan Awards Committee, Mr. Justice (Retd) K. K. Gupta and Prof. R. R. Sharma also spoke on the occasion.

The Political Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Devender Singh Rana, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof. Varun Sahni, Director General of Police, Mr. Kuldeep Khoda, legislators, senior officers, prominent citizens and a large number of people were present on the occasion.