Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 16: Two books by acclaimed Dogri writer Puran Chander Sharma were released here today by Dogri Sanstha Jammu.
The ceremony was presided over by Padma Shri Prof Lalit Magotra, renowned writer and President of Dogri Sanstha Jammu. Dr Om Goswami, eminent Dogri author graced the event as the chief guest, while noted writer Padma Shri Mohan Singh Slathia was the guest of honour.
Both the books, “Chainta Chidi” (a collection of Dogri poems) and “Nyyane Badde Syaane” (a Dogri children’s story collection), reflect Sharma’s longstanding engagement with Dogri’s cultural ethos and his deep understanding of Dogra society.
In his presidential remarks, Prof Lalit Magotra applauded the literary merit of Sharma’s work, noting that both the books beautifully capture the simplicity, emotional nuances, and cultural flavours of Dogra life. He added that such contributions help strengthen the foundation of Dogri literature and inspire younger generations to appreciate their mother tongue. He further added that Sharma’s dual contribution, poetry for mature readers and stories for young minds shows the versatility of his pen and his commitment to nurturing Dogri literature across age groups.
Dr Om Goswami highlighted that Sharma’s writings have always carried the fragrance of Dogri folk traditions and everyday experiences. He emphasised that the author’s simple yet evocative style resonates with readers from all walks of life, making these new books a valuable addition to Dogri literature. He said that authors like Sharma play a crucial role in preserving the cultural fabric of the region, and their efforts deserve recognition and wider readership.
Mohan Singh Slathia said that both “Chainta Chidi” and “Nyyane Badde Syaane” reflect the true essence of Dogri sensibilities. He noted that Sharma’s poetry is marked by emotional subtlety and cultural rootedness, where everyday experiences of the Dogra community are transformed into meaningful poetic expressions. He further added that writing for children requires a special sensitivity, and Sharma has succeeded in creating stories that are not only entertaining but also value-driven.
The event also featured paper readings from the newly released books by Sushil Begana and Dr Sheetal Sharma. Promila Manhas conducted the proceedings while a formal vote of thanks was presented by Prof Veena Gupta.
