Dogri on DD channel will reinforce self-esteem: Dr Jitendra Singh

SRINAGAR: Hailing the introduction of Dogri language telecast, including a Dogri news bulletin, on Doordarshan satellite channel from today, Dr. Jitendra Singh said “Dogri on Doordarshan satellite channel will reinforce self – esteem of all those who take pride in speaking and communicating in this language”.

Addressing the gathering after he formally launched an exclusive Dogri language slot on Doordarshan Kashir channel at a function presided over by Governor Sh Satya Pal Malik and attended by Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Sh Prakash Javadekar, Dr Jitendra Singh, who was the Guest of Honour said, it was a long-standing demand to have a telecast of Dogri programmes on Doordarshan satellite channel and appreciated the I&B authorities for having promptly worked on it when it was brought to their notice, soon after the Modi Government began its second term after the election . He hoped that today’s breakthrough will pave the way for longer duration Dogri programmes on Doordarshan Dish channels and finally for an exclusive 24 hour Dogri channel on Doordarshan.

Dr Jitendra Singh said, for any language to grow and prosper, there are two basic prerequisites, firstly the esteem of speaking the language and secondly, the quality of literature in that language. He regretted having come across children of some of the renowned Dogri language writers and connoisseurs, who prefer to converse in English or Hindi, instead of Dogri. Regional languages like Bangla and Tamil have prospered because these are the natural languages for every child hailing from these communities, he added.

In the context of Jammu & Kashmir, Dr Jitendra Singh said, side by side telecast of Dogri, Kashmiri and Ladakhi on the Doordarshan satellite channel will help reinforce the composite culture that the State is known for. Dogri can certainly step in as a language of “love” to erase out the bitter narrative of hostility witnessed in recent years, he said.

Dr Jitendra Singh also thanked the union I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar for arranging free distribution of DD Dish Set Top Boxes to those who can not afford the same. This is going to be a special boon, he said, especially for those living in border areas who are exposed to poisonous propaganda from Pakistan and are unable to access Doordarshan because of lack of resources.

He said, he had requested union I&B Minister Prakash Javadekar to issue directions for distributing free Dish Boxes, on priority, to people living along International Border (IB).