Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’
Book Name: GAANDA JA BANJARA
Poet: J. S.Pardesi
Language:Dogri
Year of Publication: 2025
Cost:Rs 600
Publisher:Highbrow Publications, 78/11, Near Pahalwan Food Mall, Bari Brahmana, Jammu (J&K)
Dogri, the mother tongue of Dogras is a rich language having class literature in all genres. As it happens in all languages that we have more poets than short story writers, playwrights or novelists, same is witnessed here also. We have more poets but some of them have carved a niche with colossal and critically acclaimed contributions, Joginder Singh well known by his pen name J S Pardesi is one among them.
About Author:
J S Pardesi is a well-known lyric writer. He was a house hold name with his much talked about contributions in widely appreciated programs broadcast from Aakashwani Jammu. He was a familiar voice in DES SUHAMA, SEHAT HI SARMAYA and immensely popular feature DARICHAYA, a voice of masses for their concerns. He wrote and acted in this feature for many years and retired as a Program Executive from the Station. Initially he started writing in Punjabi but soon realized his responsibility towards his mother tongue Dogri. Thereafter he wrote very popular songs including ‘Gori Di PanjebKute Door GeetGaadi’ sung by top singer of those days SurinderKour.
About Book:
Gaanda Ja Banjara is a collection of 107 lyrics. These songs take us to a beautiful journey of love and affection. As the poet has served at Aakashwani Jammu, which was the epicenter of cultural and literary activities at that time, his association with litterateurs inspired him to fulfill his childhood aspiration to become a poet. A current that was flowing within his nerves started showing colours when his written dogri songs started drawing attention of critics and captivating the listeners. Those songs still hold the nerves of music lovers for their richness in literature, compositions and singing. The poet has explored the innocence of Dogras in his poetry and the beautiful landscapes of Duggar Pradesh have always inspired him to convert that amazing feel into words like,
” Ladde diya dhara bansru bajda
Sudhiyan geet -gataran o
Ghne-ghne janglen phulldu je phulle
Bhoren diyan gun-gunjara o ”
The book contains many lyrics out of praise for the beautiful women folks wherein the poet has gently touched the different expressions of affection, shangarras like,
” Bhala tera haar te shangar goriye
Chonen passe shayee di ae bhar goriye
Kajrare nain te poshak totiya
Kesen ich tungni ae haar motiya
Naine ich chadhe da khumar goriye
Bhala tera haar te shangar goriye.”
The poet is also concerned about suffering masses and has explored the harsh realities of life in many lyrics like,
” Ae duniya khed tamasa ae
Kute rona kute haasa ae
Kute beshabi maaya ae
Kute hathe phadeya kaasa ae
Ae duniya khed tamasa ae.”
This collection of lyrics carries all the colours and expressions. If J.S.Pardesi emerges as a poet having a special feel for love, then his concern for his mother land, language and the ultimate truth , the existence of Almighty reflects in his many bhajans like,
“Ek omkar da jaama layee
Due di bukkal khol
Bahar talophae mare karna
Sain ae tere koul.”
He has described Jammu city in beautiful lines as under,
“Titli talehirye phull gulunariye
Jammu de dikho najare o
Gummata da dhakkdu
Rukhen de pakhru
Bolde lagan payare o.”
The poet has written on nature which forms the base for any creative writer as inspiration sought from nature helps one to grow and express in a better way. J. S.Pardesi advocates optimism which is the core content of his lyrics on different subjects. He is of the view that the foremost duty of any litterateur is to desist from pessimist approach in his creative works merely to get applause for the pain inscribed through pen. Yes, Life is about ups and downs but we should always seek lessons from our failures and promote optimism. Life has so many colours and the writers are blessed to enjoy these through their literary journeys. The poet has successfully walked through these tracks and compiled his works in a beautiful collection.
It may be said that Pardesi has published this book, his first publication quite late. But nevertheless, it’s a welcome addition to rich dogri literature, particularly a collection having very popular songs holds a special place. The cover page is quite attractive showing a folk artist carrying a folk instrument thus signifying the title of the book. Those who wish to read good poetry, enjoy a romantic drive and experience different expressions of life, it is strongly recommended. We should expect more such collections from veteran poet J. S. Pardesi.
(The writer is Sahitya Akademi & State Awardee in literature)
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