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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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