Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 16: Dogri Sanstha Jammu paid rich tribute to eminent Dogri short story writer Dr Manoj (who passed away recently), in a simple but impressive function organized at its office located at Dogra Bhawan, Karan Nagar (Jammu).
It is pertinent to add here that Dr Manoj who was the son of prominent Dogri litterateur and one of the founder members of Dogri Sanstha Jammu Pt Dinu Bhai Pant has enriched Dogri literature with colossal contributions as a short story writer and playwright also. His collection of Dogri short stories entitled ‘15 Kahaniyan’ has been awarded with prestigious Sahitya Akademi award.
Prof Lalit Magotra, president Dogri Sanstha Jammu, while paying rich tribute to the departed soul recalled his long association with Dr Manoj as a close friend, litterateur, doctor and a well-wisher. Prof Magotra said that his literary works prove his inner personality that is in fact a source of inspiration for others. He further added that Dr Manoj had shown his worth as a prolific short story writer right from his first ever short story “Ikk Fatt Kai Pachch” and went on contributing with quality Dogri literature. He said that his demise has been a big loss to him personally as well as irreparable loss to Dogri literature.
Prof Veena Gupta while conducting the tribute program recalled Dr Manoj’s long association with Dogri Sanstha Jammu and his role in starting prestigious Pt Dinu Bhai Pant Memorial Award in the memory of his father. She said that he was a good thinker and always wished that we all should have respect for our mother tongue and cultural traditions.
Prof Shashi Pathania, Shiv Mehta, Dr Naseeb Singh Manhas, C L Sharma, Sudesh Raj, Randhir Singh Raipuria, Vijaya Thakur and many others also spoke on the occasion. The program was attended by galaxy of prominent personalities including litterateurs, literature lovers, Dr Manoj’s family members.