On October 18 in Jammu, the Shree Vishwakarma Library & Research Centre (SVLARC), which works to promote the Dogri language, honoured the cast and director of the Dogri film Shah Shahni and the poet Balwant Kataria for his Dogri poetry book Sane Reenden Bail.
Who was honoured
- J R Sagar (Old Shah) and Meera Tapasvi (Old Shahni)
- Mukesh Bakshi (Young Shah) and Preeti Verma (Young Shahni)
- Aman Verma (Nauker) and director Rajneesh Gupta
- Balwant Kataria, for Sane Reenden Bail
Chief guest Ramesh Kumar Dhiman presented the awards and praised the cast and director for their hard work. Library convener Ramesh Angotra called the film a historic step in showcasing local talent.
What was said about the language
Kataria, who is also the centre's vice chairman, said: "Dogri is progressing day by Day and those who sponsored and produced this Film deserve appreciation." He added: "Dogra Art and Culture needs due attention and we should take serious steps to preserve our mother tongue."
For young Jammu readers, the point is the visible pipeline for Dogri work: a locally made feature, a new poetry collection and an institution that gives both public recognition. For the wider Dogri film scene, see our report on the Dogri films shown at Wave Mall.
Source: Daily Excelsior, 19 October 2026.
