Youth must become torchbearers of tradition: Padma awardee folk singer

Jammu, January 27

Dogri folk artist Romalo Ram’s journey from a small Udhampur village to being awarded the Padma Shri, one of the highest civilian awards by the Indian government, is a story of grit and determination.

Hailing from a small village called Amroh in Udhampur district of Jammu division, Dogri folk singer Ram was conferred Padma Shri award for his contribution in the field of art.

For generations, Ram and his forefathers have worked for promotion of Dogri language and heritage through their folk songs and dances.

Despite his father’s foray into the Army, Ram, like his grandfather Santu Ram, embraced the family legacy. Romalo is known for his Dogri songs which he sings with his daughter Sars Bharti, who is also a known artist of Jammu.

He was born on March 3, 1963. He started performing folk songs and dances in local programmes when he was studying in Class 9.

His contribution goes beyond mere preservation. He breathed new life into Dogri tradition like ‘Paakh’, creating the playful ‘Pyagda’ with its comic dance steps. Ram said the earlier governments had neglected the talent and Dogra artists.

“This is proud moment not only for our village but for entire Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. He urged the government to start a Dogri channel for artists from Jammu.

The Padma awardee said there was a need for parents to make their children learn Dogri traditions and songs so that it does not fade away with time. “While steps are being taken by society and government to keep Dogri and Dogra traditions alive, the young generation should work as torch bearers of our traditions,” Ram said.