JAMMU, Aug 24: A two-day seminar on “Dogri Drama”, jointly organised by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Jammu, began today at K. L. Saigal Hall, Writers Club, Jammu. The seminar, being held on August 24 and 25, aims to deliberate upon the rich tradition, evolution and diverse dimensions of Dogri drama.
The inaugural session commenced with the welcome and introductory address by Sh. Mohan Singh (Padmashri), Convener, Dogri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi. Sh. Shiv Dev Sushil, eminent Dogri writer and playwright, delivered the keynote address, while Ms. Sonali Arun Gupta,JKAS, Special Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, delivered the remarks as Ghief Guest. Dr. Om Goswami, noted Dogri writer and playwright, delivered the presidential address. The inaugural session concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Reeta Khadyal, Dogri Editor, Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
The first academic session, chaired by T. R. Mangotra Sagar, noted Dogri writer and playwright, focused on the development of Dogri drama up to 1990. Radha Rani spoke on Dogri drama up to 1960, Mukesh Kumar presented his views on Dogri drama from 1961 to 1980, while Shalu Sharma discussed the period from 1981 to 1990.
The second academic session, chaired by Dr. Padam Dev Singh Nandan, Sr. Assistant professor Deptt. of Dogri, Jammu University, examined the subsequent development of Dogri drama.
Anu Sharma discussed Dogri drama from 1991 to 2000, Rakesh Verma covered the period from 2001 to 2010, and Shagufta Chaudhary spoke on Dogri drama from 2011 to 2020.
The discussions during the day provided a comprehensive overview of the historical journey of Dogri drama across different periods, highlighting its evolution, major trends and contribution to the literary and cultural heritage of the Dogri-speaking region.
The seminar brought together writers, playwrights, scholars and literary enthusiasts, providing an important platform for meaningful discussion on the past and present of Dogri theatre and dramatic literature.
Prominent writers of Dogri language and literature, prominent theatrists, young writers, playwrights and Students/ Scholars of Deptt. of Dogri, Jammu University as well as Students of Deptt. of Performing Arts, Cluster University were present on the occasion.