JAMMU, Jul 1: A delegation of the Doordarshan Approved Drama Artists Association, Jammu, led by its President J. S. Babli, called on Sat Sharma, BJP State President and Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament, at his office today and submitted a memorandum seeking satellite connectivity for Doordarshan Kendra Jammu and the establishment of a dedicated 24×7 Dogri satellite television channel, “DD Duggar.”
The delegation informed Sharma that for the past thirteen years, artists, writers, theatre personalities, and members of the Dogri-speaking community have been consistently urging the Government of India to provide satellite connectivity to Doordarshan Jammu. They emphasized that despite Dogri being included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India in 2003, the language still lacks an independent Doordarshan satellite channel, unlike most other constitutionally recognized languages.
The Association highlighted that Dogri represents the rich cultural identity, literature, folklore, performing arts, and heritage of the Duggar region. A dedicated satellite channel would ensure the preservation and promotion of Dogri language and culture while providing a strong platform for local artists, writers, filmmakers, musicians, and theatre practitioners. It would also introduce the rich cultural heritage of Duggar to audiences across India and abroad.
The memorandum further pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir is home to two constitutionally recognized languages—Kashmiri and Dogri. While DD Kashir successfully promotes Kashmiri language and culture through a dedicated satellite channel, Dogri continues to remain without an equivalent platform. The Association urged that equal institutional support be extended to Dogri by upgrading Doordarshan Jammu into a full-fledged satellite channel or establishing an independent “DD Duggar” channel.
The delegation also emphasized that Dogri is spoken not only across the Jammu region but also in parts of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and adjoining areas across the international border. A dedicated Dogri satellite channel would strengthen national integration, promote accurate information in border areas, preserve India’s cultural diversity, and provide a constructive platform for public awareness.
The Association further stated that such a channel would significantly contribute to the promotion of tourism by showcasing the region’s renowned religious, historical, and natural destinations, including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori, Patnitop, Sanasar, Bhaderwah, Mansar, Surinsar, Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi, and other heritage sites. It would also generate employment opportunities in media, broadcasting, journalism, filmmaking, and the creative industries while encouraging regional film and documentary production.
Receiving the memorandum, Sat Sharma patiently heard the concerns of the delegation and acknowledged the importance of the demand. He assured the members that he would raise the issue in Parliament and take up the matter with the concerned authorities in the Government of India to facilitate an early and positive resolution.
The Association expressed its sincere gratitude to Sharma for his positive response and support towards the preservation and promotion of Dogri language, Duggar culture, and heritage. The members expressed hope that his intervention would help fulfil this long-pending aspiration of millions of Dogri-speaking people.
The delegation comprised J. S. Babli, Sandesh Veer, Madan Rangeela, Janak Khajuria, Randhir Singh Raipuria, and Arun Bakshi.