Captivating Dogri short stories

O.P. Sharma

Well-known drama artiste-turned writer, Santosh Sangra has come out with yet another book entitled ‘Antakaran Di Quaid’ containing captivating short stories in Dogri language. The book has stories which are interesting, informative and having moral values. Most of the stories, directly or indirectly, touch female issues as also their problems and urges for forward movement. This Dogri writer has now sufficient experiences of life and also much confidence to give expression through her creative faculty.
Her maidan Dogri publication titled “Kali Ganga” was a presentation of living stories which drew applaud from the literary circles as well as the common readership. This has established her popularity as a Dogri short stories writer in addition to being a leading drama artiste.
Absorbing stories
Now her 164-page publication Antakaran Di Quaid has 16 short stories in Dogri which has been recently released at an impressive function held at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu.  The function was attended by noted writers, academicians, students and prominent citizens who were apprised about the literary merit of this book.
Parvez Dewn, an ex-IAS officer who also had a brief stint as an Advisor to the J&K Governor has high opinion about the literary merit of the book and good word for its author.
At a well-attended function held at Cultural Academy complex, Jammu, the book release function was graced by top literary figures, academicians, students, prominent citizens and also the lovers of Dogri language.
Literary Merit
Her book contain interesting 16 short stories with real life characters, well-knit plots, chaste Dogri idioms and distinct style of narration, based on traditional as well as current burning issues of the present day context and Duggar’s  social system. Santosh Sangra’s emphasis is also on the issues related to females: their present socio-economic conditions and future prospects. She advocates the cause and consequences of denial of due rights to women.
Vast Canvas
The choicest stories in this book, as per my perception are: Superman, Nama Aasman, Talash, Jabarbata, Anusthan, Banjaare, Antakaran Di Quaid, Lawaraas, Guarantee Card and Ek Hor Maheeshasur. All these stories hold the interest of the readers till the very end of the narratives.
All other stories by Ms Sangra are illuminating, interesting and instructive conveying the meaningful messages to the readership.
Om Goswami an eminent writer and ex-Addl. Secretary, Cultural Academy has written foreword of this book. He has appreciation for the Dogri short stories in it and spoken about the style and substance of Antakaran Di Quaid.  The book has enriched the Dogri language and its literature, Goswami opined.
Real Life Characters
While, the author, Santosh Sangra in her Apne Pasaya Doo Shabad (Two works from the writer) has stated that she has shared her life time facts and experiences of life. She holds that her stories are intimately connected with life, especially issues connected with the women.
Santosh Sangra’s latest book under review; Antakaran Di Quaid is a finely produced publication, written in lucid style, simple language and well narrated short stories will certainly interest all the Dogri readers. Sangra has emerged as a prominent Dogri writer. This well produced and moderately priced book is worth to be kept in our personal book shelves and also in the public libraries.

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