JAMMU, Sep 24: The Senior Citizens Support Club (SSSC), a registered NGO, organised a Dogri language debate and competition at Cooperative Public School, Marble Market, Jammu, with the objective of encouraging students to speak Dogri and assessing the present level of proficiency and interest in the language among young learners.
The competition witnessed the participation of several students who showcased their speaking skills and expressed their views on different aspects related to the Dogri language. The programme aimed to create greater awareness about the importance of preserving and promoting the mother tongue among the younger generation.
The debate was inaugurated by Principal Jyoti Salathia, who introduced the participating students. She said that the students had prepared for the competition within a short period of time despite being engaged in various other school activities. She appreciated their enthusiasm and participation in the initiative.
Rampaul Dogra, jury member representing the Senior Citizens Support Club, gave a brief introduction to the debate and explained its relevance in promoting the Dogri language. The debate began in a cordial atmosphere amid applause from those present, with students presenting their views one after another with confidence and enthusiasm.
During the presentations, some students used Punjabi and Hindi words along with Dogri. However, the visiting team observed that Dogri was being spoken and understood well among the students and described the overall condition of the language in the institution as encouraging.
Before the conclusion of the programme, an open discussion was held with the students to obtain their views and feedback on ways to strengthen the use of Dogri as a mother tongue. Members of the Senior Citizens Support Club assured the students of their support and guidance wherever required for further improvement of their Dogri language skills.
Ravinder Nath Sharma shared valuable suggestions regarding the promotion of Dogri, while Lalit Verma emphasised that the language should also be spoken regularly at home so that children can develop a stronger connection with their mother tongue.
The programme also featured a Dogri song sung by Rampaul Dogra, which was appreciated by the students and helped create greater interest and enthusiasm among them towards the language.
In the Dogri debate competition, Vanshika was adjudged the winner for her strong accent, fluent delivery and confident extempore speaking. Her performance was appreciated by the jury and participants.
The SSSC team thanked the school management for making excellent arrangements and for extending cooperation towards the promotion of Dogri language among students. The programme concluded with a renewed emphasis on encouraging the use of Dogri at school, at home and in the wider community.