Press Release

Dogra Law College celebrates International Mother Language Day

Theme – Fostering Regional Languages of Jammu and Kashmir

Dogra Law College organized an event on the occasion of “International Mother Language Day”. The purpose of this event was to create awareness that languages play a vital role in development and strengthening co-operation among all. This day is celebrated annually on February 21 to promote awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and to encourage multilingualism. Every year UNESCO proposes a theme for the promotion, preservation and protection of all languages used by people of the world. In furtherance of the comprehensive goals enshrined by UNESCO, the theme finalized for this event was “Fostering Regional Languages of Jammu and Kashmir”.
Prof. NareshPadha, Dean, Academic Affairs, University of Jammu, was the Special Guest. He shared his views and encouraged the students about the need for preservation of mother tongue and treasuring it for future generations. He stressed upon mother tongue as a powerful medium of expression and a live carrier of culture that creates an individual’s personality while building his social and cultural identity. He pointed towards the New Educational Policy, 2020 and how the same is touted as a move towards a more holistic, inclusive and futuristic educational system. Further, Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, Former Minister and Chairman of Dogra Educational Trust emphasized upon the importance of mother tongue and how it is a key component in inclusion. He highlighted how NEP, 2020 emphasizes on promoting multilingualism and the power of language in teaching and learning process. He also highlighted the need to preserve and promote Dogri, Kashmiri and other regional languages of Jammu and Kashmir.He concluded that to provide impetus to the objectives of NEP, 2020, Dogra Law College, has come together to celebrate this day. Kr. Gambhir Dev Singh Charak, Trustee, Dogra Educational Trustalso stressed about the dying need to safeguard regional languages of Jammu and Kashmir and how language has an inherent tendency to move towards perfection. Furthermore, Prof. V.P. Magotra, Principal, Dogra Law College focused on how native language aids in the original thought process and gave the historical background behind this day. He encouraged everyone to use mother language at grass root levels which would act as a progressive tool for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Also present on the occasion were Mrs. Bela Thakur, Principal, Dogra Degree College; Dr, Vikesh Kumar Sharma, Principal, Dogra College of Education and Dr. Shefali Sharma, Academic Co-ordinator, Dogra College of Education.
The event started with the lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries and evoking the blessings of almighty. This was followed by handing over of saplings to Prof. NareshPadha, Dean, Academic Affairs, University of Jammu and Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, Former Minister and Chairman of Dogra Educational Trust as a token of gesture. Dr. Komila Aggarwal, Sr. Assistant Professor, Dogra Law College in her welcome address, emphasized upon the importance of regional languages.She further stressed how languages and multilingualism can advance inclusion and the Sustainable Development Goals’ focus on leaving no one behind.This was followed by cultural performances by students symbolizing the collective identity of culture of Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was managed by Ms. DivyaKataria, Lecturer, Dogra Law College and Ms. Ananya Duggal, student, Dogra Law College. Danish Tak, student, Dogra Law College, spoke about how language plays a crucial role in promoting unity and diversity in India.
A memento was presented toProf. NareshPadha by Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak, Chairman, Dogra Educational Trust, Trustees of Dogra Educational Trust, Principals, Dogra Law College, Dogra College of Education and Dogra Degree College as a token of gratitude. This was followed by Vote of Thanks by Mrs. Arushi Khajuria, Lecturer, Dogra Law College.The event concluded with National Anthem.
The event is a reminder for everyone to stay connected with our cultural heritage and maximize the use of our mother tongue. This would strengthen the civilizational foundations of our children by cultivating knowledge and culture in these languages.