O P Sharma
Duggar’s cultural and literary heritage is varied and rich with some areas having distinct identity. Just as kaleidoscope on turning it produces different patterns, so the cultural heritage of Dogras has in-built variety of interesting designs which are at once attractive and admirable. The book entitled “Bandralta Darpan” in Dogri by noted writer Om Sharma Jandriaria presents interesting and informative glimpses of cultural and literary traditions of Bandralta, which is old name of Ramnagar area in the Udhampur district in Jammu region. This well written 154-page Dogri book vividly describes the proud culture of this part of Jammu and Kashmir State.
Ramnagar, mostly hilly area with scenic natural charm, has unique cultural heritage with majestic old palaces, forts, shrines as also number of leading literary figures with host of them having been bestowed with prestigious Sahitya Akademi award in Dogri literature. Om Sharma has portrayed the picture of different places. In fact, the book has the coloured photographs of the Ramnagar palaces on the title page. Inside also some pictures have been given which make the get up of the book more impressive.
Words of Wisdom
The preface of the book has been penned by eminent noted writer Prof. Shiv Nirmohi who has underscored the value of the book as it unfolds the history as well as the cultural and literary contribution of this part of the Jammu and Kashmir State. The natural scenic beauty too has been depicted by the writer. This book certainly opens a widow to rich literary and cultural life of Bandralta ( Ramnagar), Prof. Nirmohi opines and asserts it arose deep interest among all those interested in Dogri languages and Duggar’s culture.
Colourful Culture
The book under review has 14 articles in as many chapters with powerful flow of the pen in simple Dogri language. Udhampur district has three distinct pockets like Himate or Chenani; Bandralta or Ramnagar and Bhatiraya or Devak landscape. In this a study has been focused on Ramnagar. The detailed account of the literary luminaries of Dogri literature have been included in this interesting chapter. The areas which abound in natural scenic splendour like Dudu-Basantgarh and other places too have been vividly depicted. Detailed descriptive narration of Ramnagar palaces, forts and shrines have been included in this book by the Dogri writer Om Sharma Jandriari.
Ramnagar was having separate rulers who took keen interest in the overall development and welfare of the masses in this part of Jammu and Kashmir. The imprints of cultural and literary life of the people of this area have distinctive marks and stand out for its characteristic features.
Valuable Work
Om Sharma Jandriari, in an interview recalled that the first Sahitya Akademi awardee during 1970 in Dogri literature, Narinder Khajuria was working with him in the same school and they often discussed literary matters and shared experiences. He also has memories of interaction with other contemporary Dogri writers which ignited the passion for creative expression in him.
“Bandralta Darpan” published by the Progressive youth society, Ramnagar makes an absorbing reading into the past and present literary and cultural scenario. These write-ups by Om Sharma Jandriari have appeared in some leading periodicals and now got published in a book for wider Dogri readership. Both the publisher and writer have done a service to the Dogri literature as well as readers. The writer has made a thorough research work and also made deep study of the authentic historical documents and other material available on the subject.This Dogri book, finely printed and well produced but moderately priced for the common readers. The book will be a pride possession for those interested in sweet Dogri language and proud cultural heritage. This volume on Duggar’s life and culture of Ramnagar is a valuable addition to the Dogri literature and the contribution of Om Sharma Jandriari will be remembered for times to come. The network of libraries of the Government as well as all private institutions should keep this Dogri book on their shelves for wider readership.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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