Rajeshwar Singh Raju
Professor Lalit Magotra is a renowned writer in Dogri, Hindi, and English. He received the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Award in 2011 for his memoir collection, CHETEN DIYAN GALIYAN. His short story collections, ZAMEEN and HELLO MAYA, earned him the Best Book Award from the J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages in 2000 and 2011, respectively. Additionally, he has been honored with the State Award from the Jammu and Kashmir Government and a senior fellowship in literature from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Government of India. Lalit serves not only as a celebrated short story writer, critic, and poet but also as a prominent organizer. His effective leadership as the President of Dogri Sanstha Jammu for over 24 years showcases his organizational skills. He approaches his responsibilities with strong conviction, helping the organization become a powerful advocate for the Dogri language and the cultural heritage of Duggar Pradesh. It’s worth noting that he is among the few individuals who radiate positive energy, inspiring those around him. His scientific background contributes to his practical outlook, reinforcing his understanding that consistent effort yields long-term results. Recently, he was awarded the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian honor of the Republic of India. Below is a snippet from his insightful interview with Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’.
Rajeshwar: Congratulations, Sir, on this significant honor. It truly reflects well on our mother tongue Dogri and the entire Duggar region. How do you feel when people say that while this recognition from the Government of India is welcome, it comes a bit late?
Lalit Magotra: Thank you, Rajeshwar. I believe this honor I have received is a recognition of my work as a Dogri writer; therefore, the Padma Shri is indeed a tribute to my mother language. I feel fortunate to be a Dogra and don’t regret receiving this honor later in life. In fact, I think of many senior and deserving Dogri writers who did not receive such accolades, like VedRahi, Dinu Bhai Pant, Kehri Singh Madhukar, Ved Pal Deep, and others. So, I have no reason to feel disappointed about the timing of this honor.
Rajeshwar: The Padma Shri is a prestigious award. As a prominent advocate for the Dogri language and the cultural traditions of the region, does this honor increase expectations from language enthusiasts?
Lalit Magotra: Absolutely. Since this award is given by the Government of India, I see it as society’s acknowledgment of my contributions. With this recognition, I feel a responsibility to not let my community down. I will continue to work passionately and strive to achieve even more.
Rajeshwar: You’ve consistently used your platform to voice your opinions and advocate for the pride of being a Dogra. Does anyone from the new generation inspire you to believe that the legacy you carry will be sustained?
Lalit Magotra: Thank you for your kind words, Rajeshwar. My optimism for the future comes from the vast talent I see in the younger generations. History shows that new leaders often emerge from challenging circumstances, frequently proving to be more effective than their predecessors. Without mentioning anyone specifically, I see numerous young colleagues with tremendous potential.
Rajeshwar: You are celebrated as a leading short story writer in the Dogri language, having made substantial contributions in this genre. However, you seem to have developed a newfound passion for poetry over the past few years. Is there a particular reason for this shift?
Lalit Magotra: Thank you for raising this point, Rajeshwar. My transition from writing short stories to poetry has prompted some self-reflection. While I haven’t completely stopped writing short stories—I’ve actually written a few recently—my interest in poetry has certainly grown. Upon reflection, I’ve realized that short stories focus on detail, whereas poetry distills the essence. As I’ve matured, I’ve found myself more drawn to the essence than to the details, which might explain my shift. Nevertheless, I genuinely enjoy writing poetry.
Rajeshwar: If one were to associate a term with your unwavering commitment to the Dogri language, it would undoubtedly be Dogri Sanstha. The two seem to be synonymous. What are your thoughts on this?
Lalit Magotra: That’s a thoughtful question. I became involved with Dogri Sanstha in the early 1970s, and I recall it felt like love at first sight. The Sanstha embodies an idea that resonates with me deeply. Anyone wishing to understand that idea should read the ‘Aims of Sanstha’ outlined in its constitution. Its openness, the variety of creativity it encourages, and its deep appreciation for our land and its people captivated me. The exemplary leaders of the Sanstha whom I have had the pleasure to work alongside have inspired me immensely to uphold the heritage and traditions they established through their sincere commitment. This encapsulates my feelings about the Sanstha; I strive to keep the spirit of its aims alive.
Rajeshwar: Dogri Sanstha has played a pivotal role in the literary community, and your leadership has helped elevate it to new heights. Do you ever wish you had dedicated more time to your personal writing pursuits instead of your organizational responsibilities?
Lalit Magotra: Initially, my primary goal in pursuing Dogri literature was my own creative writing. However, over time, I recognized the critical need for platforms that support and promote emerging writers in the young literary landscape of Dogri. I came to realize that Dogri Sanstha is the only organization actively engaged in this crucial work. While I have tried to balance my writing aspirations with my organizational duties, I acknowledge that if I had focused solely on writing, I might have produced even more work. Yet, I have no regrets when I consider the broader picture. This potentially led to my recent fascination with poetry, which is less time-intensive. Very few individuals can claim to have achieved all their aspirations in life.
Rajeshwar: You always approach your endeavors with a clear strategy and systematic execution. Has your academic career influenced your disciplined approach to life?
Lalit Magotra: The development of specific habits and attitudes stems from various factors. Primarily, I believe my scientific training has instilled the value of planning and systematic execution in my work. Additionally, I have been influenced by exceptional individuals whose meticulousness has had a significant impact on my own approach to responsibilities.
Rajeshwar: People often mention that you radiate positive energy, inspiring those around you. Who, in your experience, imparts similar uplifting vibes to you?
Lalit Magotra: Interestingly, I derive positive energy and inspiration from many younger individuals, such as the emerging members of the Sanstha and the students I meet. Youthful enthusiasm is immensely inspiring to me, regardless of a person’s age.
Rajeshwar: What challenges do you believe a language like Dogri faces today, especially considering its recognition by Sahitya Akademi New Delhi in 1970 and its inclusion in the 8th schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003?
Lalit Magotra: This question demands a lengthy discussion, but I will focus on a couple of critical issues. One significant challenge is the growing disconnect between the younger generation and the Dogri language. While the government has made announcements to introduce Dogri in primary education, there hasn’t been a practical implementation of this mandate as outlined in the New Education Policy (NEP). Additionally, the official recognition of Dogri as the language of Jammu and Kashmir has mostly remained theoretical and unsupported by real action. If these two government decisions were earnestly implemented, many of the issues facing Dogri could be alleviated.
Rajeshwar: There seems to be a disconnect between those shaping language policy and the dedicated individuals devoted to the cause of preserving Dogri. What immediate actions are required to safeguard and promote our mother tongue?
Lalit Magotra: Such individuals have always existed—those who make a lot of noise without contributing tangible efforts. They often believe that loud proclamations will address the issues or at least garner public attention, which seems to be their primary goal. As I hinted earlier, it’s critical for Dogras to genuinely value and cherish their mother tongue. No external entity, including the government, can ensure the flourishing of Dogri unless the community itself respects and fosters it. Each Dogra—be they writers, politicians, entrepreneurs, workers, educators, or everyday citizens—must demonstrate their love and respect for Dogri by using it in conversations, encouraging their children to speak it, advocating for its inclusion in educational curricula, and establishing a presence for Dogri literature at home. If these steps are taken, the language will thrive.
Rajeshwar: Thank you for sharing your valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives, which always enrich our conversations. It’s an honor to engage with you once more. Congratulations again!
