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Kathua Celebrates as Thakur Khajoor Singh Wins Sahitya Akademi Award

Eminent Dogri writer and retired teacher Thakur Khajoor Singh has been honoured with the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his book 'SatSai.' The award marks a significant milestone for the Dogri language and the Dogra cultural identity of the Kathua region. In his remarks, Singh humbly dedicated the award to the entire Dogra community, calling it an honour for his mother tongue. He also emphasized the increased responsibility the award brings and urged writers to address global issues and youth to preserve their linguistic heritage.

Key Points: Dogri Writer Thakur Khajoor Singh Wins Sahitya Akademi Award

  • Award for Dogri book 'SatSai'
  • Lifelong advocate for regional heritage
  • Called for writers to promote peace
  • Urged youth to embrace mother tongue
3 min read

"It belongs to all Dogras": Kathua's Thakur Khajoor Singh after receiving Sahitya Akademi Award

Thakur Khajoor Singh receives Sahitya Akademi Award for 'SatSai,' dedicating the honour to all Dogras and their mother tongue.

"This award is not mine. It belongs to all the Dogras. - Thakur Khajoor Singh"

Kathua, April 3

Kathua is celebrating a moment of literary pride as eminent Dogri writer and retired teacher Thakur Khajoor Singh received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award for his book SatSai, marking a significant achievement for both the district and the Dogri language.

Singh, a President Awardee and widely respected cultural figure, was felicitated in Delhi before receiving a warm welcome at his residence in Kathua.

Family members, prominent citizens, and members of the literary community gathered to honour his accomplishment, calling it a milestone for the Dogra identity.

A lifelong advocate of regional heritage, Singh has dedicated decades to preserving and promoting Dogri through literature and education. His acclaimed work SatSai has been recognised for its depth, linguistic richness, and rootedness in Dogra culture.

Beyond writing, he has played a key role in reviving folk traditions and ensuring the survival of linguistic nuances from the Duggar region.

Speaking to ANI, Singh reflected on his journey, saying, "Actually, when I started this work, when I started writing, some 40 years ago, I didn't think that one day I would get this award. But today I have got this award. I am very happy. And let me say one more thing, that this award is not mine. It belongs to all the Dogras."

He added, "My mother tongue is Dogri. This is her honour. And with her blessings, my honour has increased... I am very happy."

Recalling the award ceremony, Singh said he felt proud to be among some of India's most accomplished literary minds. "I was sitting among these learned people, among the literary lovers... and I was feeling very proud of myself," he noted.

Detailing the recognition, he shared, "They had put one lakh rupees in my account... and I have received a memento... But this award is not so important in terms of money... today I have become a registered writer among writers."

Singh emphasised that the honour has deepened his responsibility towards literature. "After receiving this award, my responsibilities have increased... I will try to write more. This award is a source of inspiration for me," he said.

Addressing global concerns, he also called for writers to engage with pressing issues. "The world at this time is standing on a pile of explosives... it is the duty of a writer to write... to make people aware and work for peace," he said.

He concluded with a message for the youth, urging them to embrace their mother tongue and work hard to carry forward their cultural legacy.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Heartwarming news! As someone from Jammu, seeing Dogri get national recognition feels personal. His work in reviving folk traditions is as important as his writing. Hope this inspires more young people in the region to take up their mother tongue seriously.
D
David E
Fascinating read. It's wonderful to see regional languages being celebrated at a national level in India. Singh's point about writers addressing global issues is very relevant. Congratulations to him!
A
Anjali F
While this is a great achievement, it also highlights how few resources and platforms regional language writers often have. The Sahitya Akademi award is prestigious, but we need more sustained institutional support for languages like Dogri throughout the year, not just during award season.
V
Vikram M
Bahut khoob! 🎉 This is the real "Make in India" – preserving and promoting our indigenous knowledge and culture. His 40-year journey is a lesson in dedication. Will try to find a translation of SatSai to understand the beauty of Dogri literature.
S
Sarah B
"This award is not mine. It belongs to all the Dogras." What a powerful and selfless sentiment. It's refreshing to see someone credit their community and language for their success. Congratulations to Thakur Singh and the Dogra community!

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