Context
A recent study has raised alarms over the rapid decline in the use and literacy of Dogri, one of Jammu and Kashmir’s official languages, highlighting the erosion of regional linguistic heritage despite constitutional recognition.
About the Dogri Language
- Language Family: Dogri belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European family.
- Regions Spoken: Primarily in Jammu region, parts of Himachal Pradesh, and among the Dogra diaspora in North India.
- Scripts Used: Devanagari and Takri.
- Cultural Significance: Deeply intertwined with Dogra folklore, art, literature, and oral traditions.
- Official Recognition:
- Included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution (2003).
- Recognised under the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020.
Significance of Dogri
- Acts as a cultural identity marker for the Dogra community.
- Preserves regional literature and folk traditions.
- Contributes to India’s linguistic diversity and cultural pluralism.
- Its preservation supports constitutional values of multiculturalism under Articles 29 and 350A.
Challenges and Way Forward
| Challenges | Way Forward |
| Policy Neglect: Delayed recognition and poor institutional support limited Dogri’s presence in schools and administration. | Educational Integration: Introduce Dogri at the primary level under NEP 2020; train teachers and develop quality learning materials. |
| Generational Disconnect: Younger generations rarely read or write Dogri, breaking intergenerational transmission. | Cultural Incentives: Promote Dogri festivals, arts, and link proficiency to local jobs and tourism. |
| Urban Influence: English and Hindi dominate urban spaces, reducing Dogri’s relevance. | Digital & Media Promotion: Expand Dogri content in films, TV, and social media; create digital archives and e-learning tools. |
| Rural-Urban Divide: Usage remains higher in rural areas but literacy is low overall. | Institutional Support: Strengthen Dogri Sanstha and Sahitya Akademi; set up cultural and language centres. |
| Linguistic Erosion: Mirrors India’s wider decline of regional languages due to migration and globalisation. | Data and Policy Renewal: Resume Census-based mapping and create a national framework for endangered languages. |
Conclusion
Dogri’s decline reflects India’s ongoing challenge of language homogenisation, where globalisation and English dominance threaten indigenous linguistic ecosystems. Reviving such languages is not just a cultural necessity but also a constitutional and developmental imperative.
| Ensure IAS Mains Question Q. “The decline of Dogri language represents the broader threat to India’s linguistic diversity.” Discuss the causes and suggest policy measures to ensure the preservation of regional languages in India. (250 words) |
| Ensure IAS Prelims Question Q. With reference to the Dogri language, consider the following statements: 1. It is written only in Devanagari script. 2. It is one of the 22 official languages included in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. 3. It was recognised as an official language of Jammu and Kashmir under the 2020 Official Languages Act. Which of the above statements is/are correct? a) 1 and 2 only b) 2 and 3 only c) 1 and 3 only d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: b) 2 and 3 only Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect: Dogri uses both Devanagari and Takri scripts. Statement 2 is correct: It was included in the Eighth Schedule in 2003. Statement 3 is correct: Recognised under the Jammu and Kashmir Official Languages Act, 2020. |
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