Dogri Poetess Padma Sachdev Honored; Dogri, Urdu Writers Feted

The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages commemorated the birth anniversary of Padma Shri Padma Sachdev, celebrating her profound contributions to Dogri literature through musical tributes at K.L. Saigal Hall. Officials emphasized her lasting impact on regional languages and cultural heritage.

The event also recognized two newly announced Sahitya Akademi Award recipients for 2025. Pritpal Singh Betab received honors for his Urdu poetry collection *Safar Jaari Hai*, building on his distinguished career that includes works like *Pesh Kyma* and numerous literary awards. Khajur Singh Thakur was felicitated for his Dogri poetry collection *Thakur Satsayie* (also referenced as *SatSai*), recognized for his lifelong dedication to preserving Dogra culture and traditional folk practices.

Both awardees represent the continuing vitality of regional language literature in Jammu and Kashmir, with Betab advancing contemporary Urdu poetry and Thakur sustaining Dogri literary traditions through his work as an educator, poet, and cultural preservationist.