Dogri Sanstha confers ‘Bandhu Sharma Smriti Puraskar – 2025’ on Inderjeet Kesar
Jammu, Nov 2: Dogri Sanstha Jammu Sunday conferred “Shri Bandhu Sharma Smriti Puraskar – 2025” upon veteran Dogri writer Inderjeet Kesar for his outstanding and sustained contribution to Dogri literature.
The award, comprising a cash prize of Rs 21,000, a shawl, a citation and a memento, was conferred in an event organised by the Dogri Sanstha, in collaboration with the family of late Bandhu Sharma, well-known Dogri litterateur, at Sanstha’s Kunwar Viyogi auditorium in Karan Nagar, Jammu.
The event witnessed an august gathering of writers, scholars, artists and admirers of Dogri language and literature, all joining to celebrate literary achievement and pay tribute to the rich legacy of late Bandhu Sharma — one of Dogri’s most revered literary figures.
The function was presided over by Padmashri Prof Lalit Magotra, president of Dogri Sanstha Jammu while B R Sharma, retired IAS officer and former Chief Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir, graced the occasion as the chief guest. The programme was conducted by Pawan Verma.
In his address, chief guest B R Sharma praised Dogri Sanstha Jammu for its consistent efforts in honouring Dogri stalwarts and promoting literary consciousness. He also recalled the immense contribution of late Bandhu Sharma, saying, “Bandhu Sharma was not just a writer but a visionary who used literature as a mirror to society. His work reflected deep understanding, cultural wisdom, and moral clarity.”
“By instituting this award in his memory, Dogri Sanstha has immortalised his legacy and set an example of how cultural values can be preserved through recognition and continuity,” he said.
Prof Lalit Magotra, in his presidential address, remarked, “It gives great satisfaction to see the younger generation of writers and readers engaging with Dogri literature with renewed enthusiasm. Honouring stalwarts like Inderjeet Kesar keeps the creative spirit of Dogri alive — the same spirit that writers like Bandhu Sharma embodied.”
During the ceremony, Rajeshwar Singh Raju, general secretary of Dogri Sanstha Jammu, presented the citation to the awardee and extended a warm vote of thanks, appreciating the cooperation and support of all contributors and participants.
He observed, “Every recognition conferred by Dogri Sanstha is a reaffirmation of our collective cultural duty. Inderjeet Kesar’s literary journey is an inspiration, and his work continues the legacy of sincerity and devotion that Late Bandhu Sharma represented.”
Extending gratitude for the honour, Inderjeet Kesar turned emotional as he said, “It is a privilege to receive an award instituted in the memory of a towering literary personality like Bandhu Sharma. His contribution to Dogri literature is unmatched, and this honour motivates me to continue writing with the same passion for my mother tongue.”
On this occasion Colonel Suresh Sharma, son-in-law of late Bandhu Sharma, also shared his feelings and thanked Dogri Sanstha Jammu for keeping his father in law’s legacy alive.
He said, “It is heartwarming to see that his name continues to inspire and encourage the Dogri literary fraternity. He believed that literature has the power to unite hearts and preserve identity. We, as his family, feel proud that this award continues to carry forward his ideals.”
The event concluded with warm applause and a collective sense of pride, reaffirming the commitment of Dogri Sanstha Jammu and the literary community to safeguard and promote Dogri language, literature and culture through such meaningful endeavours.
