JAMMU, Oct 11: Nami Dogri Sanstha (NDS), in collaboration with Kala Kendra Jammu, organised a Dogri Kahani Goshti (short story session) to celebrate Dogri literature and highlight the role of storytelling in reflecting social realities, promoting moral values and inspiring positive change.
The programme was presided over by Padma Shri Dr. Jatinder Udhampuri, veteran Dogri writer, poet, former Director of All India Radio and Sahitya Akademi Award recipient. B.S. Jamwal, Dogri writer and former Deputy Commissioner, attended as Special Invitee, while Nidhi Dogra Sharma, Patron of Dogra Samaj Trust, Mumbai, was the Special Guest. Prof. Anupama Sharma, Patron of NDS, and Advocate Dogra Harish Kaila, President of NDS, also shared the dais. Dr. Chanchal Sharma, Dogri poet, writer, AIR-approved A-grade singer and Organising Secretary of NDS, conducted the proceedings.
The literary session featured original Dogri short stories by several writers. Nirmal Vikram presented Video Call, Santosh Sangra read Main Hole, Girdhari Lal Rahi presented Prem Kahani, Rajnish Gupta read Rehnuma, and Madhvi Sharma presented Mera Panjah Saale Da Radio Safar. Each story received critical appreciation from the audience for its literary merit, social relevance and thought-provoking themes.
The stories explored a range of social issues and contemporary trends through satire, moral values, social ethics and vivid observations of everyday life. The session provided an engaging platform for writers to present their creative works and exchange views on the changing social landscape through the medium of Dogri storytelling.
Addressing the gathering, Padma Shri Dr. Jatinder Udhampuri critically evaluated the stories and described the Kahani Goshti as a grand success. He observed that the stories represented the feelings, experiences and ethos of society. Writers, he said, not only hold a mirror to society but also initiate a process of reflection that can lead to meaningful corrections and improvements. Describing writers as ambassadors of humanity, he emphasised their responsibility in guiding society towards a more humane and ethical path. He also congratulated NDS for organising the literary session and appreciated the significant participation of women writers.
Prof. Anupama Sharma highlighted the importance of short stories in literature, observing that they influence society’s thinking and encourage intellectual engagement. She noted that storytelling has the power to shape perspectives, strengthen understanding and empower people to reflect on social realities.
B.S. Jamwal stated that art and literature play an important role in uniting society and keeping it vibrant, culturally rich and grounded in moral values. He emphasised the importance of literary activities in preserving cultural traditions while encouraging meaningful dialogue on contemporary issues.
Nidhi Dogra Sharma said that stories are closely connected with human emotions, thoughts and social experiences. She observed that skilfully crafted narratives encourage positive thinking and leave a lasting impression on readers. Recalling the influence of childhood stories narrated by mothers and grandmothers, she noted that such stories have traditionally motivated children, guided their conduct and inspired them to pursue their goals in life.
Dogra Harish Kaila thanked Dr. Javed Rahi, Additional Secretary of Kala Kendra, for his collaboration and assistance in organising the programme. The event was attended by several prominent writers and literary personalities, including Manpreet Kour, Ambika Samnotra, Raghu Raj Sehgal, Sunita Sehgal, Narinder Singh Chib, Vikram Jain, Nidhi Malhotra, Ritu Sharma, Jang S. Verman, Chanchal Dogra, Ashok Sharma Vashisth, Dr. Karan Gupt, Sardar Achhar Singh, Rajesh and Veena Dogra. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Chanchal Sharma, Organising Secretary of Nami Dogri Sanstha. The programme reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to promoting Dogri literature, encouraging creative expression and strengthening the region’s rich literary heritage.