The Dogra Welfare Association recently launched a major awareness campaign in Delhi NCR to encourage members of the Dogra community to actively participate in the upcoming Census, ensuring their demographic strength is accurately reflected.
During the MEL MALAAP 2025 event held on the occasion of Lohri, the association passed a significant resolution urging Dogras residing in Delhi NCR and other major cities across Northern India to confidently declare Dogri as their mother tongue during the Census. The resolution, moved by Raman Kesar, emphasized the importance of this step in recognizing the linguistic and cultural identity of the Dogra people. Kesar pointed out that Dogri is the only language from the Western Pahari group included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He further stated that speakers of related dialects such as Pahari, Kangri, Chambleyali, Bhaderwahi, and Mandleyali should also be counted under the Dogri category.
Kesar called on the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Registrar General and Census Commissioner to ensure the inclusion of these dialects and to recognize their significance. The resolution was seconded by Mr. Kulbir Singh, a prominent Dogra entrepreneur.
Another key resolution passed at the event highlighted Delhi's unique role as a cultural melting pot. It was suggested that the city serves as an ideal hub for interactions and unity among Dogras from Jammu, Himachal Pradesh, and Northern Punjab, promoting a sense of community across regions.
The event was graced by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, who delivered an inspiring address. Dr. Singh urged the youth of the Dogra community to broaden their career horizons by exploring start-up opportunities and taking advantage of government schemes under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He also stressed the importance of unity among Dogras in Delhi to amplify their collective voice and interests.
Dr. Singh was warmly welcomed by Jagdish Sharma, Satpal Sharma, and Raj Raina. The cultural program for the event was anchored by Neha Sharma.
In her welcome address, Sudesh Dogra, an active community leader, emphasized the need for a Dogra Bhavan in Delhi. She explained that such a facility would offer much-needed relief and support for Dogras visiting Delhi, whether in distress or for other purposes.
The function was presided over by Kailashpati Sharma, a well-known figure from the corporate sector, who underscored the importance of creating a robust support structure for the diverse segments of the Dogra community.
The event also featured musical performances by renowned Dogra singers Riaz Ahmed and Dheeraj Sharma, whose soulful renditions captivated the audience and added a festive touch to the occasion.
A strong organizational team, led by Jagdish Sharma, Neha Sharma, Satpal Sharma, and Raj Raina, announced their intention to undertake new initiatives in the near future to further support and strengthen the Dogra community.
This event marks a significant step forward in ensuring that the Dogra community’s cultural, linguistic, and demographic presence is recognized and accurately represented in the upcoming Census.
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