Dogri Finds Its Voice Again—and It’s Just Getting Started

Dogri, one of the official languages of India, has been around for centuries. But for a long time, it sat on the sidelines—rarely taught in schools, seldom seen in public spaces, and quietly fading from everyday use. That’s starting to change.

 

Cultural groups, writers, and even local governments are coming together to give Dogri the space it deserves. From book festivals to language workshops, there’s new energy behind the push to keep this language not just alive but thriving.

 

A big piece of the effort is focused on younger generations. Advocates say kids should be learning Dogri in school, not just hearing it from grandparents. There’s a strong belief that language connects you to who you are—and if children lose that, they lose more than just words.

 

Still, the road isn’t easy. English and Hindi dominate most classrooms and households, especially in urban areas. Many parents don’t see the point in teaching a language that doesn’t help on an exam or a job application. Supporters of Dogri get that—but they also argue that language isn’t just about utility, it’s about identity and pride.

 

So now, with renewed interest and more people pitching in, Dogri might finally be heading toward a future that honors its past.

 

Source: Daily Excelsior