Lalit Gupta
JAMMU, July 28: Poetry is not a hobby or a matter of liking but part of process of one’s life. Poetry is in everyone’s heart and the more sensitive one’s are lucky to pen it down, said Santosh Khajuria. She was sharing her journey as a poetess during the interaction organized by Sahitya Akedami, New Delhi, at the Press Club, here today.
Held under the Sahitya Akedami’s scheme for providing platform to established poets, short story writers in various languages of the country, today’s program titled ‘Kavi Sandhi’ saw 80 years old Jammu poetess speak candidly that how despite inadequate encouragement from her conservative family towards her artistic talents, she managed to give expression to poetry that as a emotional and sensitive person happened to her almost as a natural occurrence.
Santosh Khajuria, recipient of Tagore Award for her collection of Dogri poems ‘Bandlondian Baharan’, was born in 1932 the family of Sri Niwas Magotra, the first president of Dogri Sanstha. One who wrote her first poem at the age of eleven and since than she has been continuously expressing herself in verse and some times in prose along side her role and duties as a householder. So far she has published three books. ‘Tricholi and ‘Badalondian Baharan’ are anthologies of poems while ‘Bhole Bhav’ is a collection of Child poems and short stories.
During today’s interaction she recited her selected poems like Andhi, Jhura, Saun, Antakvad, Shauk, ‘Jindagi De Khushal Pal’a and few songs. She impressed everyone for the sheer intensity of emotion and poetic fervor. The poems where she comments on the existential issues came out as her most outstanding expressions. Underlying her easy and straightforward countenance, it was her deeply observant self that bestowed a kind of profundity to her poems.
Earlier Prof Veena Gupta, Convener, Dogri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akedami, welcomed the audience and also introduced the poetess. She said that poetry of Santosh Khajuria has its own place and importance in Dogri.
Gitanjali Chatterrji, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akedami, presented vote of thanks while appreciating the works of Santosh Khajuria. She also highlighted the importance of such programs.
Those who were present in the program included Padamshree Nilamber Dev Sahrma, Prof Lalit Magotra, Praduman Singh Jandrahia, Dr Gian Singh, Mohan Singh, Shiv Mehta, Dr Nirmal Vinod and others.
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