Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 26: Galaxy of stars paid rich tributes to Sahitya Akademi awardee Kunwar Viyogi, also known the ‘Father of Dogri Sonnets’ as they descended Jammu for the annual Kunwar Viyogi Utsav – 2018.
Cultural activities organised by Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Trust were held across the city as people were treated to the melody of Dogri music, songs, poetry and art by iconic and celebrated artists, who brought to life the writings of Kunwar Viyogi in their unique and innovative artistic interpretations.
Fans cheered as YouTube sensation Siddharth Slathia took centre stage and crooned Kunwar Viyogi’s popular Dogri songs Tu Bagune Di Kudi and Rasam Riwaz at the jam packed Gen Zorawar Singh auditorium. After paying tributes to the celebrated writer, Siddharth entertained the audience with popular Bollywood numbers.
The performance was part of the Trust’s finale – Innovation in Art 2018 event that also saw international singer and composer Monica Dogra enthrall fans with her melodious voice. Shiyasi Gopinath, a 23-year-old Bharatanatyam dancer was proud recipient of this year’s Kunwar Viyogi Innovation in Art award for adapting Kunwar Viyogi’s songs ‘Tu Bagune Di Kaudi’ and Kangrel in Bharatanatyam dance form.
Kavita Sang Yaar Beli – Poetry Jam with Friends was the opening act of the event that saw convergence of award winning poets – Ayushman Jamwal and Lalit Mangotra with Dogri iconic singer Jatinder Singh Jamwal and rock singer Manvi Gupta.
While Manvi opened the act with Kunwar Viyogi’s song Dosti, Ayushman Jamwal recited verses from his recently launched book The Silent Sun. Lalit Mangotra recited Dogri sonnet ‘Pehliyaan Banga’ and renowned Dogri singer Jatinder Singh Jamwal enthralled the people with Viyogi’s ‘Tu Bagune Di Kudi’.
Art lovers were treated to some exquisite cartoons and caricatures by Times of India’s renowned cartoonist Uday Shankar. Live art workshop was also held at the venue, conducted by Heritage School art teacher Anoop Gupta. Following the art exhibition, Lalit Katha awards were presented to students, who were also treated to Charles Dickens’ play Great Expectations directed by Aarushi Thakur Rana at Gen Zorawar Singh Auditorium.
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