JAMMU: The 10th Kunwar Viyogi Utsav 2025 marked a significant moment for Jammu’s cultural and linguistic identity as the University of Jammu hosted the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Lecture 2025 at Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium.
Delivering the keynote address on the theme “Jammu’iyat: Regional Revival or National Renaissance,” Union Minister of State (PMO) Dr. Jitendra Singh urged collective, proactive efforts for the revival of the Dogri language.
“Dogri is a very kind language. It accepts everyone wholeheartedly, but the onus is on us to serve it and ensure that it flourishes,” Dr. Singh said, stressing that linguistic pride must extend beyond Constitutional safeguards. He highlighted the need to align Dogri with technology, curriculum, and everyday usage to ensure its growth in the modern era.
During the event, Dr. Singh presented the Prem Jamwal Innovation Award 2025 to Brij Mohan for his translation and composition of Kunwar Viyogi’s patriotic song “Jai Dogra”, and conferred the Kunwar Viyogi Shaurya Samman on Col. Ajay Raina (Retd.) for his distinguished service to the nation.
Vice Chancellor’s representative Neelu Rohmitra welcomed the dignitaries, reaffirming Jammu University’s commitment to preserving cultural heritage.
Prof. Ravinder Singh emphasized inter-departmental collaboration in promoting linguistic diversity, while Poonam Singh Jamwal, Founder of Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust, called the memorial lecture a “movement for revival and reinvention of Jammu’s identity.”
The event also featured two panel discussions where eminent voices—including Maj Gen Goverdhan Singh Jamwal (Retd.), Col. Ajay Raina (Retd.), Zorawar Singh Jamwal, Brig Anil Gupta (Retd.), Kuwarani Ritu Singh, Padma Shri Balwant Thakur, and writer Manu Khajuria—unanimously asserted that “Dogri cannot be an option anymore.” They emphasized using politics, culture, technology, and media to strengthen the Jammu narrative at the national level.
In addition, the University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Departments of Dogri and English, hosted the Cheten Di Lari Scholarship initiative to encourage academic excellence and promote Dogri studies among students.
