Ashok Sharma
The New Year is not only the beginning of another calendar year; it is also a time to pause, reflect and think about the direction in which our lives and our society are moving. Every New Year gives us a fresh opportunity to correct our mistakes, strengthen our values and renew our commitment to what truly matters. For the Dogra community, this moment is especially important. As inheritors of a rich cultural, linguistic and historical legacy, Dogras must look at New Year resolutions not only as personal promises but as collective responsibilities. These resolutions can help us protect our heritage while preparing our children for a fast-changing world.
In recent times, many Dogras have slowly drifted away from their cultural roots. Modern lifestyles, urban living and the influence of global culture have weakened our connection with traditions that once shaped our identity. Being a Dogra is not just about belonging to a particular region; it is about a way of life built on courage, simplicity, honesty and resilience. The New Year should inspire us to rediscover pride in our identity. We must talk to our children about our history, our values and our traditions so that they grow up with self-respect and confidence. When children know who they are and where they come from, they face the world with strength and dignity.
Language
Language plays a vital role in preserving identity. Dogri is the soul of Dogra culture; yet its use is declining, especially among younger generations. Even though Dogri has been given constitutional recognition, many families hesitate to speak it at home, thinking it is out dated or less useful. A meaningful New Year resolution would be to bring Dogri back into daily life. Speaking Dogri with children, encouraging them to read Dogri books and poems and appreciating Dogri folk songs can help keep the language alive. Celebrating occasions like Dogri Manta Divas and explaining their importance to children can instill pride in our mother tongue. Dogri should not remain limited to cultural stages or formal events; it should be heard again in homes, courtyards and everyday conversations. Steps must also be taken to promote the Takri Script ( Name Akhar) of Dogri. Other regional languages of Duggar too need to be spoken and promoted.
Culture
Dogra culture is rich with folk traditions, dances, songs and fairs that reflect the rhythm of community life. Folk forms like Bhaakh, Baar and Kaarak and dances such as Kud, Dheku and Heran, are expressions of joy, devotion and social unity. Similarly, melas like Moungri, Sankri, Baisakhi,Putt and Jhiri have always brought people together. The New Year should encourage families to take part in these cultural events and explain their meaning to the younger generation. Traditional festivals such as Rutt Raade, Tamdey, Nag Panchmi and Bash Dua should be celebrated with understanding and sincerity rather than as empty rituals. Wearing traditional clothes and jewellery on special occasions and preparing Dogra dishes at home can create a living connection with our heritage.
Family has always been the backbone of Dogra society. Respect for elders, care for children and strong emotional bonds have defined Dogra households for generations. In today’s busy and digital world, these values are slowly weakening. The New Year should remind us to give time to our families. Listening to parents and grandparents, learning from their experiences and caring for them in old age should be natural duties, not burdens. Small gestures, such as offering seats to elders in buses or speaking politely, reflect deep cultural values. Even in nuclear families, emotional closeness can be maintained through shared meals, conversations and collective celebrations.
Dogras have traditionally been known for discipline, honesty and strong sense of duty. These qualities helped them earn respect as soldiers, administrators, teachers and public servants. The New Year must renew our commitment to ethical living. Honesty in work, fairness in behaviour and transparency in dealings should guide our actions. Shortcuts, corruption and selfish gains weaken not only individuals but society as a whole. Along with discipline, values like empathy, compassion and respect for culture must also be nurtured. True strength lies in combining firmness with kindness.
Education
Education has always been a path of progress for Dogras but education should not be limited to marks, degrees or jobs. It must also shape character. The New Year should encourage parents and teachers to focus on value-based education. Children should be motivated to read, think independently and remain humble. Alongside modern subjects, knowledge of local history, freedom struggles and Dogra contributions to the nation should be shared. They should also be motivated to conserve and preserve our natural resources and ensure that ecological balance is properly maintained. Education should help children become responsible citizens, not just successful professionals.
Hard work and self-reliance have been central to Dogra life, whether in farming, defence, teaching or craftsmanship. The New Year should renew respect for the dignity of labour. Depending on unfair means or influence damages character and self-respect. Youth should be encouraged to develop skills, work honestly and believe in their own effort. Success achieved through hard work builds confidence and earns lasting respect.
Dogra land has always been known for harmony and peaceful coexistence. In times when society is easily divided, Dogras should resolve to promote unity and mutual respect. Helping neighbours, participating in community welfare and standing against social evils like addiction and corruption should be part of our daily life. Social harmony is built through small, consistent acts of kindness and fairness.
Heritage
Our history and heritage are precious, yet many Dogra temples, forts and traditional houses are neglected or forgotten. The New Year should inspire us to protect these symbols of our past. Visiting historical places with children, telling them stories of their significance and preserving family histories can strengthen identity. When history is remembered, it gives direction and meaning to the present.
Dogras have contributed significantly to the nation, especially in the fields of defence, administration and public service. The New Year should renew this spirit of service. Serving society does not always require a uniform or a position of power. Volunteering, guiding younger people and contributing positively to the community are equally important forms of service.
Children
Finally, special attention must be given to children. New Year resolutions should focus on developing life skills in them. Children should learn to do their own work, help parents, respect elders and care for society. They should be taught to value their culture and heritage while preparing for modern challenges. When children grow up with responsibility, confidence and cultural awareness, the future of the community remains secure.
In conclusion, New Year resolutions for Dogras should go beyond personal goals of health or wealth. They should reflect a deeper commitment to dignity, culture, values and social responsibility. By reconnecting with our language, traditions and moral foundations, Dogras can move forward with confidence while remaining rooted in their past. The New Year then becomes not just the start of another year but a renewal of collective consciousness. If every Dogra makes even a small effort to live as a responsible custodian of this rich heritage, the years ahead can bring cultural revival, moral strength and lasting social harmony.
(The writer is a retired Senior Lecturer from the SED, Govt. of J&K)
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