In a heartfelt tribute to the Dogra culture and its art forms, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, who represents Udhampur in the Lok Sabha, presented a new Sarangi to Gorinath, a renowned traditional Dogra artist from Udhampur. Gorinath had recently been featured in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast, where he was praised for his dedication to preserving the cultural legacy of the region.
Dr. Singh explained that the decision to present the Sarangi had originally been planned as a Diwali gift from PM Modi to Gorinath. However, due to the unfortunate passing of Dr. Singh’s brother, the presentation was delayed and was finally made today after the completion of the mourning period.
Gorinath had been honored in the 115th episode of Mann Ki Baat, where PM Modi lauded his exceptional efforts in keeping the traditional art of playing the Sarangi alive. The Sarangi, a family heirloom passed down through generations, has long been part of Gorinath’s life and is a vital instrument in telling stories through music, reflecting the core of Dogra heritage.
During his speech, PM Modi praised Gorinath’s unwavering commitment to his cultural roots, acknowledging him as a living example of individuals across India who are preserving cultural traditions in unique ways. “Gorinath ji from Udhampur is one such example,” said the Prime Minister.
Dr. Singh expressed how proud Udhampur felt of Gorinath’s recognition, noting that his work brings the region’s rich cultural history to life. In keeping with PM Modi’s vision to reconnect India with its cultural heritage, Dr. Singh presented Gorinath with the new Sarangi as a gesture of support for the preservation of Dogra traditions.
Recalling Gorinath’s own words, Dr. Singh shared, “This Sarangi is very old, passed down through my family for generations. I visit people’s homes and play the Sarangi.”
For Gorinath, the Sarangi is more than just a musical instrument—it is a symbol of his family’s heritage and a bridge to the past for the Dogra people. Each performance he gives is an opportunity to share the historical stories of the region, with the Sarangi’s melodies capturing the attention of people from all generations. Gorinath travels from village to village, performing at family events and ensuring that the tradition of storytelling through music endures.
Through his simple yet profound performances, Gorinath and his Sarangi serve as symbols of cultural preservation, embodying the strength of tradition and the warmth of heritage. His dedication demonstrates that protecting cultural heritage is not only about preserving the past—it is about inspiring future generations to value and uphold their cultural identity.
