Ashok Kumar’s poetry book released

Dignitaries during a book release function at Jammu.
Dignitaries during a book release function at Jammu.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 4: In an impressive function, the book entitled “Jammu Kashmir Ki Hindi Kavita Bhag-2” of Ashok Kumar was released, here today.
The book was released by Prof Neelam Saraf, Dr Arvinder Singh Aman and Dr Baljeet Raina. Presenting his paper on the book, Dr Parshotam Kumar said Ashok Kumar’s poetry book helps us to understand the throbbing pulse of Hindi poetry in J&K and it has been established that Hindi poetry of the UT cannot be underestimated in the context of poetry at national level.
Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar dwelt at length on the process of creating criticism and expressed his concern on low standard ghoshthies. Prof Neelam Saraf, who presided over the function said, “The book tests the poetry of this region on a touchstone. It provides tools for judging poetry.”
Dr Arvinder Singh Aman, Joint Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Jammu eulogized the continuous efforts put by the author for projecting poetical voices of J&K at definite and wide perspective.
“The book provides a point of view about poets who have been judged,” opined Dr Baljeet Raina. He said to apprehend poetry one has to raise himself at the level of the poet and this can be seen in the work of the author.
The progarmme was divided into two sessions. The book release session was followed by recitation of poems by Dr Nirmal Vinod, Sanjeev Bhasin, Sheikh Mohd kalian, Kunwar Shakti Singh and Ashok Kumar.
Earlier, Dr Bhagwati Devi (organizer of the programme) presented welcome address. Dr Pawan Khajuria conducted proceedings of the programme which concluded with vote of thanks presented by Sheikh Mohd Kalyan.