States » NorthPosted at: Sep 20 2026 7:29PM


Kunwar Viyogi Sahitya Kala Samman conferred on Padma Shri Balwant Thakur

Jammu, Sep 20 (UNI) Dogri Sanstha Jammu, in association with the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust (KVMT), conferred the Kunwar Viyogi Sahitya Kala Samman–2026 on renowned theatre personality and Padma Shri awardee Balwant Thakur here on Saturday, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to theatre, performing arts and the cultural heritage of Jammu.
The award ceremony celebrated artistic excellence while carrying forward the legacy of Sahitya Akademi Awardee Kunwar Viyogi, the celebrated Dogri poet and cultural icon.
The programme was presided over by Chief Guest Sanjeev Verma, Chief Electoral Officer and Principal Secretary/Commissioner Secretary, J&K Election Department.
Padma Shri Lalit Mangotra, President, Dogri Sanstha Jammu expressed special appreciation for Sanjeev Verma for his deep commitment to the Dogri language and his research on its antiquity and evolution.
He said Verma’s work deserved deeper academic study and documentation, describing it as evidence of his scholarly commitment and dedication to Dogri. Recalling Kunwar Viyogi’s literary contribution, Mangotra spoke of his association with the poet and his roots in Gaur village of Akhnoor and Fatu Chugan.
He highlighted Viyogi’s literary works, including Ghar and Pehliyaan Banga, and his remarkable contribution of nearly 200 Dogri sonnets.
Mangotra also acknowledged the contribution of Poonam Singh Jamwal, daughter of Kunwar Viyogi and founder of KVMT, for carrying forward her father’s vision and creating new platforms for the promotion of Dogri language, literature and culture.
Describing Balwant Thakur as a “human dynamo”, Mangotra highlighted his creation of Natrang, the pioneering Sunday Theatre initiative, his efforts to encourage children and young people to take up theatre, and his prolific contribution as a playwright.
Speaking on the occasion, KVMT Board Member Ayushman Jamwal said the Trust’s mission was to give “new life to Dogra culture” and ensure that its richness received wider recognition. Drawing a parallel between Kunwar Viyogi and Balwant Thakur, he said both represented the passion and determination required to carry culture forward.
Describing Thakur as an “Atlas of Dogra culture”, Ayushman said that behind the recognition received by cultural personalities lies years of hard work, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to their roots.
The award presentation was preceded by the screening of a documentary showcasing Balwant Thakur’s life and contribution to theatre and the performing arts.
The citation was read by Dogri Sanstha General Secretary Prof. Veena Gupta, following which Thakur was presented with a Dogri pagdi, shawl, citation, memento and award money.
Accepting the honour, Balwant Thakur said that the greatest recognition for an artist is the honour received from his own people and in his own motherland.
He thanked KVMT for the award and dedicated the honour to the artists and collaborators who had been part of his journey.
Describing theatre as a collective art form, Thakur said its success depended upon trust between actors, fellow artists and the director.
Thakur also called for greater focus on Dogra history and its unsung heroes. Referring to his work Gulab Ghatta, which he first created as a play and later adapted into a film, he said many more stories from Jammu’s history needed to reach audiences.
“We Dogras also have our heroes, but there is no ownership of them,” Thakur said, stressing the need for people to take greater ownership of their history and cultural icons and give them the recognition they deserve.
Sanjeev Verma, Chief Electoral Officer and Principal Secretary/Commissioner Secretary, J&K Election Department, was also felicitated and addressed the gathering, underlining the importance of recognising artists and cultural practitioners who have devoted their lives to enriching the region’s artistic and cultural landscape.
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