“A man of substance”

Nasreen IK
The journey from the village to the Jammu city may change a man’s surroundings, but it cannot erase the roots that run deep in his soul.
On his life
Abdul Qadir Kundria emerges as a poet deeply connected to the pulse of the people. His verses serve as a vessel for addressing pressing societal issues with a poignant and critical perspective. Hailing from the village of Kundra in District Reasi, his surname, Kundria bears a meaningful tie to his place of origin. This bond is further reinforced by his birth in 1963 within this very village.It is sobering to consider the adversities Kundria Sahab had to endure in order to reach the great regions of honour and admiration he eventually earned. He left his village in the dead of night, stepping out into the shadows of his home and into the unknown. To support his children, he worked at every job imaginable. He maintained a firm dedication to both his own integrity and the advancement of society despite all of life’s difficulties.The Divine showered the rewards of his unrelenting labour upon his children, who have established renowned reputations for themselves inside the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
As a Poet
In the verses of regional poets, you can hear the heartbeat of a community, the echoes of its history, and the dreams of its future Kundria’s poetic creation titled “Nassi Duniya Lagi Ae Touna” has swiftly traversed the digital realm, garnering an immense following across various social media platforms. The allure and enchantment woven into his verses owe their existence to the guidance he received from his mentors, namely, Prof. Ram Nath Shastri and Kudeep Singh Jandraiya. Their teaching has played a pivotal role in elevating his craft to a realm of magic.
The path of Kundria’s poetic journey has been illuminated by his active participation in numerous poetic symposiums and conferences. These literary gatherings, some of which were showcased on Doordarshan, helped showcase his literary prowess to a wider audience. Furthermore, his collaboration with Prasar Bharati Radio Kashmir has broadened the reach of his resonating words.
Hiscommitment to the world of poetry is exemplified by his enduring association with the Dogri Sanstha in Jammu, a testament to his unwavering dedication spanning over three and a half decades. His artistic pursuit transcends time, as he continues to channel his creative energies into the realm of poetry, uplifting spirits, and prompting reflection through the ink of his verse. Likewise in one of his poems entitled ”Nasha”, he addresses the youth regarding the harmful impact of its consumption on one’s own self and the family:
To protect youth, Dogri group is up front
Team Jammu too joined hands to end the drugs addiction
Whatever drugs it may be, it will always be our enemy
Slowly slowly it goes deep into the veins to spread the poison
Youth who is caught in drugs has to be protected
The sole purpose of the Jammu Team is to make a Drug Free Society!!
As a promoter of the Dogri Language
A regional poet is like a guardian of the local language, preserving it with each verse, ensuring its continuity for generations to come.
The most important quality of Abdul Qadir Kundria is his exceptional capacity to communicate his profound social message in his native Dogri. When Kundria Sahab reads his poetic verses aloud on stage, his booming voice filled with great emotion, audiences fluent in the Dogri language enjoy a pure and spiritual connection. His literary works are fundamentally about reviving disillusioned young people who have wandered off course and reigniting the passion in their ambitions. Such an elegance of emotions filled with social concern is apparent in his poem on Corona. As Lalit Magotra, a renowned face among Dogri writer, says, “Abdul Qadir Kundria is the most sincere and devoted lover (Saadhak) of Dogri. His love for Dogri speaks in his beautiful poetry which is rooted deep into Dogra culture and Dogra psyche. He is fundamentally a humanist, who has great love for all humans and his country. This fact is also reflected very strongly in his writings. He possesses a very rich vocabulary of Dogri and surprises his readers with elegant use. He has enriched Dogri Literature in numerous ways”.
On the day of his retirement
Retirement is the time when you never do all the things you intended to do when you were still working
It was the day when everyone’s eyes were filled with tears. Kundria Sahab greeted every person and always did his best to help out during his service at State Motor Garages. Throughout his tenure, he has exemplified the true spirit of public service. His strong commitment, tireless dedication, and unselfish devotion to his duties have left an indelible mark. He has been a beacon of integrity, diligence, and empathy in a world that often seems clouded by cynicism.But what truly set Kundria Sahab apart from the ordinary was his boundless empathy. In a world often shrouded in cynicism, his heart remained an oasis of compassion. Mahroof Andrabi, Deputy Director, confirmed the piousness of Kundria Sahab, “His contributions went above and beyond our expectations, and his positive attitude and teamwork were truly commendable. He consistently demonstrated leadership and initiative, setting a high standard for other colleagues to follow”. He understood that behind every file, every request, and every plea, there was a human being yearning for assistance and understanding. He listened when others merely heard, and he extended his hand when others were hesitant to reach out.Throughout the annals of his service, Kundria Sahab had consistently epitomized the essence of genuine public service. His commitment was unwavering, an unyielding beacon guiding him through the labyrinthine corridors of bureaucracy. His dedication knew no bounds, for he would labour tirelessly, day in and day out, fuelled by an unwavering devotion to his duties.Expressing appreciation for his service, Muarif Andrabi remarks, “While we are sad to see him go, we are also excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for him. His contributions will be remembered and valued here, and our doors are always open for him. I thank him for his outstanding service. Wishing him all the best for his future endeavours”. At last, his modesty and humility will serve as an example for all of the staff members to maintain composure in the face of the surrounding pandemonium. His words will undoubtedly continue to raise the alarm when society falls into bad habits.