Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 31: Dogri Sanstha Jammu today released two books, a collection of poetry “Agni Cheten Di” by late Uttam Singh Pathania and a novel “Parivartan” by Pankaj Kumar.
While the “Agni Cheten Di” is 210 page collections of poems and Ghazals, published posthumously by Sabras Adabi Anjuman Billawar, “Parivartan” is the first novel of Pankaj Kumar, which is based on the problem of militancy in the State. Both the authors belonged to Billawar area of Kathua district.
Members of presidium, including celebrated Dogri writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Prof Lalit Magotra, senior poet Deepak Aarsi and Chhatrapal, president Dogri Sanstha released the books in the presence of senior writers, poets and prominent members of society.
Speaking on the occasion, Deepak Aarsi said that Billawar area has produced many talented writers and poets who have made valuable contributions to Dogri language and literature. He appreciated young novelist Pankaj Kumar and also paid tributes to late Uttam Pathania, whose book speaks of his poetic genius and beautiful style.
Manzoor Ahmed Lutfi, a prominent literary-cum-cultural activist of Billawar region, disclosed that people of his area loved Pathania to such an extent that they contributed for his treatment and later on for the publication of his works.
Prof Lalit Magotra, in his address, expressed shock that a poet of such a caliber lived and died in a smaller circle while he deserved full appreciation and honour for his unrivaled work.
On this occasion, Susheel Begana presented an exclusive paper on the thought, content, diction and style of poetry of Pathania. Dr. Chanchal Bhasin, literary secretary of Sanstha read out a short review of the released novel ‘Parivartan’.
Earlier, president of Dogri Sanstha, in his welcome address, said Dogri is inseparable part of our life and a symbol of identity, which should be safeguarded and promoted at all cost.
The proceedings of the programme were conducted by Susheel Begana Those present on this occasion included Dr Veena Gupta, Dr Shashi Pathania, Dr Shivdev Manhas, Shivde Singh Susheel,Madan Padha, Pyare Hatash, Ashutosh Sharma, Gianeshwar Sharma, Pawan Verma, M S Kamra, Krishan Lal Mast amd others.