Duggar's Legacy: Proud Past, New Vistas

O P Sharma

opsharmajournalist@gmail.com

Name of Book : ' Duggar Di Virasat

Author : Kul Bhushan Mohtra

Publisher: Highbrow Publications, Jammu

Price: Rs. 895

This well-illustrated pictorial 216-page Coffee-Table book in English entitled 'Duggar Di Virat' by Prof Kul Bhushan Mohtra, a prominent author and political activist, is a work of its own kind. It has promise of being a reference volume for persons who mattered and contributed, in fields like politics, military gallantry, history, art, culture or literature. All these "achievers" with laudable contribution have enriched our proud status and standing of Duggar's heritage. The brave Dogras form stirring chapter in the military history and they extended and consolidated India's Northern borders which deserve due recognition and identity. Duggar's valuable heritage, tangible and intangible, needs to be stoutly preserved and protected. The men or women, who significantly contributed in enrichment of this Indian legacy must be remembered for times to come.

The mosaic of Duggars' legacy is vividly rooted and also reflected in a unique way in the present national perspective and objectives. This profusely illustrated with quality colour photos of men/women who matter, is added attraction of this book by eminent author Prof (Dr) Kul Bhushan, a son of Duggar.

A delightful insight into various aspects and contribution of stalwarts like Banda Bahadur, Gen Zorawar Singh, Maharaja Gulab Singh along with other Dogra dynasty rulers along with Maharaja Hari Singh, Dr Karan Singh and many others have been given in this volume.

Let us now peep into this book's views and objective which is " to draw public attention towards the rich cultural heritage and invaluable legacy which is our distinct identity and pride.

Lessons of History

"Duggar Di Virast" is a superb work which focus light on major figures who made a distinct contribution, step-by-step to the march of Duggar legacy in one or other fields. After scanning through this historical reference Coffee Table book, prepared after a hard work of fishing out from various sources and research as also professional touch in editing, design, get-up with fine printing on quality paper., Among other thing, I must compliment the printer-Veerta Printers, Jammu for the very high quality production.

Prof (Dr) Kul- bhushan Mohtra, an eminent author and education-political activitist, deserves high praise for highlighting the Duggar's proud sons who have made praise-worthy contribution in enhancing and projecting the rich and proud historical legacy of Dogras who have a distinction of forming stirring chapter of military history and also heritage legacy in the field of art, culture and socio-economic transformation in India.

Duggar Di Varasat by Prof Kulbhushan Mohtra is a monumental literary creation that beautifully encapsulates the pride, heritage, and glorious legacy of Duggar Pradesh. This book is not merely a compilation: it is, in fact, a living document of history, a cultural treasure, and a tribute to excellence across generations of the Dogras.

What makes this work truly exceptional is its extensive documentation of nearly 400 eminent personalities from Duggar Pradesh, including individuals from a wide spectrum of fields-social activists, Padma Shri awardees, literary figures, gallantry awardees, political leaders, eminent journalists, renowned cricketers, educationists, administrators, and many more-all of whom have brought honour and recognition to Duggar land through their remarkable achievements. This diversity makes the book a comprehensive reflection of Duggar's intellectual, cultural, and national contribution. However, I would make one point that more "unknown persons" must be discovered and figured with new updated publication coming out in different languages for wider readership.

The stature of the book is further elevated by the foreword by Dr. Jitendra Singh, lending it national significance and recognition. Significantly, it is also enriched with valuable messages from various dignitaries, including Kavinder Gupta, presently Governor, Himachal Pradesh and previously LG of Ladakh; Sat Sharma, MP(Rajya Sand State BJP president; Ashok Koul, General Secretary, J&K BJP (Organisation), Parshotam Dadichi, President, J&K Sanatan Dharam Sabha and Brij Mohan Sharma, Secretary , Culture.

The author's dedication, deep research, and emotional connection to Duggar's soil are quite evident as this unique book serves as a bridge between generations, inspiring youth by presenting real-life icons while preserving invaluable historical and cultural narratives for scholars and readers alike.

More than a book, Duggar Di Varasat is a movement to celebrate as Duggar Pradesh's identity, heritage, and excellent calibre, having shaped the society and contributed meaningfully to the nation.

The book has attractive title, superb getup and colourful photographs (some rare) and also motivational messages about the unique role of the Dogra community in the Indian history and ancient civilizationand cultural heritage. Duggar's legacy is our distinct identity and dignity.

There is wide-spread high appreciation for reputed author Prof Kul Bhushan for his inspiring narration of great personalities. My opinion is " Duggar Di Virasaat" is an extra-ordinary nicely produced, finely printed on high quality paper and my hunch is that ithas been completed after hard labour and historical research work.

But still my one point is that some left-out deserving personalities too should have been included in such a documented book. I would also suggest to learned author to wield his pen in his next books on other key aspects of matchless cultural heritage of Duggar. However, superb Coffee Table Bookon notable "Personss who Matter" is both absorbing and inspiring for the present readership as also credible sourceof information for the future generations.It should be read by one and all, especially the academicians, scholars, students and every citizen in Jammu-Kashmir; across the country and even beyond. Every knowledgeable person keep this as a "prize-book" and also adorn alll libraries.

(The author is a Jammu-based veteran journalist)

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