Pratibha Sharma
Kehri Singh Madhukar has made a singular contribution to Dogri literature and holds place of pride among literary luminaries of Jammu and Kashmir.
A book on this popular Dogri poet Kehri Singh Madhukar, recipient of the prestigious Sahitya Akademi award for Mein Mele Ra Janu in 1977, has come out for the first time in English. A biographical sketch of Madhukar as well as a critique of his rich poetic compositions have been put together in this work.
In addition to exploring Madhukar’s well-known, little-known and even unknown aspects of life, his creative works have been focused on in this latest publication published by Sahitya Akademi. An endeavour has also been made for re-discovering and re-evaluating his contribution to the Indian literature through his writings in the Dogri language.
Two stanzas given below speak for Madhukars’ sweetness and imagination:
Roop Juga da badla karda
Ekkai palta khana,
palen khinen di gall chhari hoon,
bind k jor gai lana,
(The times are changing now, only one jolt is enough. It is a matter of a few moments the change; only a bit of effort is required).
Pralay di ghata ghanoti rehi
Par lo Suraj di mukki nein!
Ajj bi Dunia gai s-hara ai
Iss Aman de lalkaara!
(Despite pitch darkness and gloom, there is still a ray of hope as the light of the Sun is limitless and endless. The world has an expectation of peace due to universal call to humanity.)
The book is as monograph in the series of makers of Literature by O.P. Sharma has contents like A Doyen of Dogri literature, Deep Impact, Early Years: Seed Sown, Starting Career, Literary Journey, Place in Dogri Poetry, Recognition & Honours and choicest Selected Poems make interesting and informative reading. Mr. Sharma is a veteran journalist and a prolific writer deeply interested in social, culture and literature.
Prominent Poet
Kehri Singh Madhukar was one of the luminaries of Dogri literature with a multifarious genius and amicable personality. His devotion to poetry was not only exclusive but also exhaustive including themes like love of nature, patriotism, philosophy, romanticism, socialistic thinking. Almost all his poetry is famous but his poems Kohlu, Charkha , Nishcha, Dehri, Doli are master pieces of Dogri poetry which brought this poet to great heights. His poetic collections are marked by innovation in art, simplicity of language, unique style and freshness of thought and ideas.
Freshness of Ideas
Madhukar certainly had deep feelings and fresh vision; good command over Dogri language, a distinct style with effective use of rhythm as also use of metaphors to express deep sentiments of hope and humanism. Most of his poetry is rich in delicate thoughts with suitable similies. The ornamental style of some of his poems is matchless. Madhukar was always optimistic and most of his poems have vigour and charm of their own, raising the artistic and intellectual level of Dogri poetry.
For the fist time, this Dogri poet Mr. Madhukar has been explored to the English readership through this publication brought out by the Sahitya Akademi. It is expected that more efforts will be on translation of Dogri classic works into English and various other regional languages as well so that Dogri gets its due place in Indian literature.
The printing and overall production of the book is of high standard quality maintained by the Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. The author has quoted Dogri poetry and given its meaning as well as a detailed bibliography. This publication has rightly been priced moderately at Rs 50 only to ensure its wide circulation and it can be had directly from Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi. The literary merit will make it worth reading material for readership.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
