Dogri Sanstha, Jammu organized a function in K.L. Sehgal Hall to release a book of collection of Dogri poems ‘Hirkhi Paungar’ by veteran writer and Sahitya Akademi Awardee Inderjeet Kesar . This is Kesar’s 22nd book and 12th book of poetry. Sanjeev Verma, Divisional Commissioner, Jammu was the Chief Guest in the function which was presided over by Prof. Lalit Magotra, President of Dogri Sanstha and Darshan Darshi, Convener of Dogri Advisory Board in Sahitya Akademi was the Guest of Honour. A musical programme based on the poems of Kesar was also presented on this occasion. Bishan Dass, a senior Musician of the State, had composed the tunes of the songs, to which Satinder Kumar, Aditya Kumar, Sushmita Bann-erjee, Pallavi Koul and Lalit Bhardwaj lent their voices and accompanists were Rakesh Anand on flute, Joginder Pal on Tabla, Chandan Kumar on synth and Ghara Kumar on guitar.
The programme was anchored and conducted by Prof. Shashi Pathania, the Vice President of Dogri Sanstha and former Head, P.G. Department of Dogri, University of Jammu.
Sanjeev Verma while appreciating and congratulating Inderjeet Kesar for contributing enormously to Dogri Literature by writing a large number of high quality books, said that it is a rare achievement on the part of Kesar that in spite of being a civil servant he could find time for this creative activity. It speaks of his love and dedication for his mother tongue. He said that the Government is fully committed to the development and promotion of all regional languages of the Union Territory including Dogri which is a major language of UT and has the honour of being included in the 8 th Schedule of Indian Constitution.
Prof. Lalit Magotra in his presidential address said that the distinctive quality of the poetry of Kesar is that in simple language and direct manner it conveys the hard realities of life and always gives a positive message. He said that Kesar is one of the most prolific Dogri writer who has contributed in various creative genres of Dogri and was
awarded Sahitya Akademi Award for his Novel Bhagirath. Magotra, on this occasion also drew the attention of Divisional Commissioner towards the urgent steps to be taken to effectively implement the Government’s decision to teach Dogri at various levels of education, especially the primary level. He also reiterated the need to have a Duggar Channel for all languages of Jammu region on the pattern of Kashir Channel.
Darshan Darshi spoke extensively on the poetic merit of Kesar’s writing. He said, his poetry contains the fragrance of Duggar land, because of its chaste Dogri language and typical Dogra idiom. He cited many examples from the book to substantiate his point. In his views, Kesar’s writings in general and poetry in particular has enriched Dogri literature in a significant manner and will go a long way in popularizing Dogri among masses.
Sandeep Dubey, Assistant Professor, in Dogri Department of Jammu University, presented a very scholarly paper on the released book. He analyzed both the emotional and thought content of his poetry, emphasizing the fact that his poetry is basically humanitarian in its approach and is written in simple and direct style suitable for communicating with all levels of audience.
Earlier, Inderjeet Kesar recited some of poems from his book, which were much liked by the audience.
Prof. Shashi Pathania presented the vote of thanks also at the conclusion of the programme.
