JAMMU, May 29: A culturally significant awareness song titled “Mardamshumari Ch Lakhayeo Dogri”, written, composed, and sung by young litterateur and vocalist Sahil Badyal , was officially released during a dignified and well-attended ceremony held at Press Club Jammu on Friday.
The initiative has been conceptualized in the context of the upcoming Census 2027 , with the primary objective of encouraging and mobilising the Dogra community to register “Dogri” as their mother tongue during the national census process.
The event witnessed the participation of eminent personalities from the fields of literature, culture, education, music, and social activism, adding significant stature to the occasion.
Delivering the keynote address, renowned litterateur and Padma Shri awardee Mohan Singh Slathia emphasized that language represents the soul of a society and that the preservation of one’s mother tongue is essential for safeguarding cultural identity and civilizational heritage.
He observed that at a time when regional languages are facing multiple socio-cultural challenges, creative initiatives led by youth serve as a powerful medium for linguistic revival and public awareness. He described the song as an impactful cultural campaign aimed at the preservation and promotion of the Dogri language.
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Amit Sharma, Census Incharge for Jammu & Kashmir, highly appreciated the efforts of Sahil Badyal and stated that language enthusiasts and socially conscious youth must actively contribute towards the promotion and protection of their native languages. He further urged citizens to participate in the upcoming Self Enumeration process during Census 2027 and ensure that Dogri is correctly recorded as their mother tongue.
He remarked that such innovative cultural interventions play a vital role in generating constructive social awareness and public participation.
On the occasion, Team Jammu Chairman Zorawar Singh Jamwal called upon the younger generation to take collective responsibility for preserving their linguistic and cultural roots.
He stated that “Mardamshumari Ch Lakhayeo Dogri” is not merely a song, but a powerful expression of Dogri identity, cultural pride, and social consciousness.
Addressing the gathering, Arun Prabhat, President of the Jammu & Kashmir BJYM Youth Wing, appreciated the initiative and noted that the song would strengthen emotional attachment, respect, and pride among youth towards their mother tongue while contributing significantly to public awareness ahead of Census 2027.
In his address, young writer and singer Sahil Badyal stated that the responsibility of an artist extends beyond entertainment and includes creating awareness and inspiring positive social change.
He said that the upcoming census presents a historic opportunity for the Dogra community to assert its linguistic presence in a meaningful and organised manner, and that the song is a humble effort to carry this message to every household.
The programme concluded with a collective commitment by intellectuals, artists, media representatives, and members of civil society towards the preservation, promotion, and wider dissemination of the Dogri language and culture.