Acclaimed Writer Dr. Ashu Sharma Appointed Youth President of Dogri Bhasha Academy
JJ CORRESPONDENT
Jammu, July 14: Despite the government’s claims of promoting regional languages, the neglect of Dogri continues, leaving qualified scholars like Dr. Ashu Sharma struggling for recognition and stable employment. In a recent development, Dr. Sharma, a renowned Dogri writer and recipient of the prestigious Yuva Sahitya Akademy Award, has been appointed as the Youth President of the youth unit of Dogri Bhasha Academy, Jammu.
Dr. Sharma, an M.Phil and Ph.D. holder in Dogri language who cleared the NET-JRF in 2012, has been a passionate advocate for the promotion of Dogri. Her literary journey began after graduation, and she has since published a dozen books, including the award-winning collection of short stories “Kathaputli.”
Her appointment, announced in a press release by Dogri Bhasha Academy Founder Yashpal Nirmal and President Roshan Bral, recognizes her dedication and contributions to Dogri literature. Dr. Sharma has been actively involved with the academy for the past 12 years, participating in various cultural and literary activities.
Despite her impressive credentials, Dr. Sharma highlights the stark reality of Dogri’s neglect at official levels. “Even after Dogri’s inclusion in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, the government’s efforts to propagate the language remain inadequate,” she states.
She points to the limited job opportunities for Dogri scholars, with very few vacancies advertised in government schools, colleges, and universities. The situation in primary and secondary schools is particularly concerning, with a severe shortage of qualified Dogri teachers.
“Non-Dogri graduates and postgraduates are teaching Dogri at the higher secondary level, while qualified individuals like myself are left out,” she laments. Despite her NET-JRF qualification and the prestigious Yuva Sahitya Akademy Award, she has been forced to work on a contractual basis for the past 12 years.
The disparity in government support for different regional languages is evident in the number of teaching positions advertised. While 266 vacancies for Dogri teachers were advertised last year, only one position for a Dogri teacher was advertised this year.
Dr. Sharma emphasizes the need for a structured approach to Dogri language education, advocating for its inclusion in the curriculum from the primary level, similar to languages like Punjabi and Bangla etc.
Her appointment as Youth President of Dogri Bhasha Academy offers a ray of hope for the future of Dogri language and literature. However, the government’s continued neglect of Dogri, evident in the lack of job opportunities and inadequate support for education, raises serious concerns about the language’s survival and development. Dr. Sharma’s story is a powerful reminder of the need for concrete action to promote and preserve regional languages like Dogri, ensuring their rightful place in the educational and cultural landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
