"An honour instituted in the memory of a distinguished writer like Bandhu Sharma," Dr Om Goswami said, was "a matter of great satisfaction and responsibility." He was speaking on Saturday, 4 October 2026, after the Bandhu Sharma Memorial Award was conferred on him at Kala Kendra, Bikram Chowk, Jammu.
The ceremony was organised by Dogri Sanstha Jammu in association with the Bandhu Sharma Memorial Trust. Dr Goswami is a noted Dogri litterateur, recognised for his contributions to Dogri literature and to cultural life in Jammu and Kashmir.
What was said
Prof Lalit Magotra, president of Dogri Sanstha Jammu, presided. He spoke of the importance of recognising writers who have made distinguished contributions to Dogri language and literature.
Writer and former Deputy Commissioner Khalid Hussain was the chief guest. In his words, literature plays an important role in preserving the linguistic, cultural and social identity of a society.
Prof Veena Gupta read the citation, and Pramila Manhas read a short story. Ranjana Sharma, daughter of Bandhu Sharma, also spoke, and Raj Kumar Bahrupia anchored the programme.
Why it matters to young readers
Memorial awards like this one are one of the few ways Dogri writing gets public attention outside classrooms and university departments. Dogri Sanstha, which describes its aim as preserving and promoting Dogri language, literature and culture, runs several such honours. This one follows its recent Dinu Bhai Pant award for Jitendra Udhampuri and Santosh Sangra. Kala Kendra, the venue, is a public arts space near the Tawi bridge with galleries, studios and a library, so events like this are open to the city's students and writers to follow.
What we do not know yet
The report does not say whether the award carries a cash prize, which of Dr Goswami's works the citation named, or how recipients are chosen. The Dogri Sanstha website does not mention a Bandhu Sharma Memorial Award, so we have not confirmed those details from the organisers. We will add them if they are published.
Hero image: File photo of Kala Kendra, Jammu.
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