Why in news?
Academics and activists have raised alarms over the declining use of the Dogri language in Jammu and its surrounding regions. Recent articles highlight that urban families increasingly speak Hindi or English at home, enrollment in Dogri courses is low and the language has little presence in mainstream media and education.
Background
Dogri is an Indo-Aryan language of the Western Pahari group. It is primarily spoken in the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir and by smaller communities in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab and parts of Pakistan. Unusually for an Indo-European language, Dogri is tonal. The 2011 Census recorded about 2.6 million speakers. Dogri was recognised as an independent modern literary language by the Sahitya Akademi in 1969 and was added to the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003. In 2020 it became one of the five official languages of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Dogri literature boasts a rich tradition of poetry, folklore and devotional songs.
Key points
- Declining usage: According to linguists from Jammu University, fewer than 30 percent of urban Dogra families speak Dogri at home. In schools it is offered only as an optional subject, and very few students opt to study it. Many younger parents believe that Hindi or English will provide better opportunities and feel embarrassed to speak Dogri.
- Cultural erosion: Dogri has limited presence in television, cinema or digital media, leading to a disconnect between youth and their linguistic heritage. Traditional folk performances like Geetru and Bhakh are fading, and local programmes broadcast in Dogri have low viewership.
- Reasons for decline: Rapid urbanisation, perceived prestige of English and Hindi, outdated educational materials and lack of job prospects for Dogri graduates contribute to the language's marginalisation.
- Revival efforts: Cultural organisations such as the Dogri Sanstha and the Sahitya Akademi continue to publish literature and host seminars. University departments offer postgraduate degrees in Dogri. A new generation of poets, musicians and digital content creators is using social media to share Dogri poetry, songs and memes.
- Way forward: Experts recommend making Dogri compulsory at primary school level in the Jammu region, developing modern textbooks and encouraging its use in administration, signage and digital platforms. Investment in quality literature and entertainment content could help restore pride and interest among youth.
Conclusion
Dogri embodies the cultural identity of the Dogra people. Preserving it will require concerted efforts by families, educational institutions, media and government agencies to normalise its use and nurture a vibrant literary and cultural ecosystem.
Sources: State Times; Wikipedia.