O P Sharma & Sanjogta
Name of the Book : Sukkhan
(A collection of Short Stories in Dogri)
Name of the Author : Shakunt Deepmala
Publisher : Dogri Sanstha, Karan Nagar, Jammu
Year : 2015
This 151- page book entitled “Sukkhan” (A collection of short stories in Dogri) authored by Shakunt Deepmala has been published by the Dogri Sanstha, Jammu.
The book contains 17 short stories in Dogri which are very interesting, instructive and entertaining. Some of the stories are Sukkhan, Bhutan, Bomb, Pinjra, Jinn, Chachu nai Aaya, Khushboo Dharti dhi , Preeto, Haisee Da Manasa, Prerena and highly appreciated storey is Jinn and few others.
Maiden Adventure
This book was released at an impressive function held at the K L Saigal Hall, Cultural Academy complex , Jammu on August 20, 2015. Mr Chaatrapal, president , Dogri Sanstha in his speech said that the stories of Deepmala delicately paint the women sensibilities in simple but impressive style and unveil many social dogmas. Duggar and life style of its people is strikingly reflected in her stories in varied hues and colours. In his presidential address Prof. Lalit Magotra said that Dogri Sanstha had credit of publishing this short stories collection which is a valuable addition to the creative literature in Dogri. Speaking at the function, Ms Shakunt Deepmala presented a story “Bomb” from her book which was lauded by the large audience comprising writers, academicians, students and others.
The canvas of these stories is very extensive covering almost all the regions of Duggar focusing on variety of subjects and illustrations the variegated facts of life.
Instructive Stories
“Bhutan” in this book is a psychological story of a little lower caste girl who suffers the pangs as a untouchable and other superstitions. She is discriminated by other children in the play field. Not able to touch any of her companion, desperately she touches their walls of houses and asks what they will do now? The story writer pleads for understanding the psychology of the child and also raises some important social issues.
The another story, Hammja Kukki which deals with a girl who loved stranger doctor in her area. One day she waited for him impatiently but when he didn’t turn back to meet her then she came to know about his married life. The doctor left her village due to posting to another place without informing her. In this story, the writer express the painful experience of her life who got deceived in her love and spent the entire life by shouting loudly her lover’s name that is why she is known as Hammja Kukki .
Khreela Fathia story also depicts the fear of terrorism in the hearts of the people their enforcement for their own willingness at any cost. This story also expressed the painful experience of the girl named Kheerla Fathima who forced to be as a terrorist and at last she took revenge by firing on them and in the cross firing she also got killed. But she completed her revenge which depicts the mental pangs of a father whose daughter is in the captivity of terrorists and how at last feels relieved on her death.
Valuable book
In an interview, Ms Shakunt Deepmala gave credit for her maiden present Dogri book of short stories to Prof. Shashi Pathania who encouraged and inspired her for Dogri writing. She also writes in Hindi and her short stories in Hindi were published way back in 1994.
The printing and overall production of the book is of good quality. The literary merit will make it worth reading material for readership. It is expected that Ms Shakunt will certainly make more valuable contribution to Dogri literature.
“Sukkhan” is really worth reading for its simple and stylish language as also for depiction of Duggar’s cultural heritage. It is worth reading by all the Dogri knowing public. It is expected that a largest number of people will read and also adorn it in their book shelves. The author Shakunt Deepmala has certainly carved out a niche for herself.
(Starline Syndicate service)
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