Long Dogri Ghazal

O.P. Sharma

Book Name : Daun Saidyan Ek Seer
Aurhor :Vijay Verma
Publisher :Bookman, Ashok Vihar, Phase-3, New Delhi.

Daun Sadiyan Ek Seer, is single longest Dogri-Ghazal book with 721 couplets by renowned Dogri writer Vijay Verma. It has been published and launched Online by www.bookman_delhi.com and later released offline by Duggar Manch at Gurah Slathia, Jammu. It encompasses the long journey of Ghazal as a whole and Dogri in particular covering nearly two centuries. While interacting with the poet, it was asked “why seven hundred and twenty one couplets” and reply was very interesting and progressive as well. The poet Verma told that journey of Ghazal from Arabic, Perisan to Urdu, Dogri and other Indian languages has different timelines. Dogri Ghazal genre started from fifth decade of 20th century and continues till date. So in total seven hundred and twenty one couplets touching the subjects. This is writer’s sixth book of creativity.
This Ghazal presents unique blend of traditional flavour of linguistic richness and modern innovative imagery. No doubt, this is a wonderful gift from Vijay Verma to mother language Dogri and its literature as also to other Indian languages. Even in Forewords, a vast scenario of Ghazals has been presented that universally are accepted as a genre of peace, love and brotherhood. This all shows Dogri Ghazal has a very rich taste and is evolving throughout keeping in tune with traditions as well as modernity.
This 120-pages book is a magical treat for the lovers and readers of Dogri poetry who can enjoy flavour of imagination and savour traditional words with wide-range vocabulary. Its satirical pursuits and their range definitely pinches somehow briefly, but guides desperately cheerfully to have the cognizance of the realities and work accordingly. In poet’s words : “I am ardent believer to express my literary and linguistic enthusiasm with delicate touches of experimentation expecting new spring enlighting the intellectual side of our society. After general experiences in different time zones, this ghazal deals with almost all issues concerning mankind in social, economic, cultural, and in linguistic spheres. The journey of couplets enroute through the mirthful events of life but enlighting spirit for betterment ahead with lessons of the past and inspirational futuristic endeavors. It is uncommon in Dogri that a poet through this genre with rich words and sobre treatment covers poetic journey and transmits the emotions about global humanitarian issues concerning common man and experiences of societies. While discussing ghazal book, it was also elaborately explained by the poet that technical side and semantics are important pillars of this magistical genre, ghazal that has covered its journey from Darbars to common man in modern society.
The poet has broken the shackles of taboos and limitations by writing record-breaking long ghazal. This is the longest ghazal in Dogri as well as many Indian languages till date which is in fact a matter of pride for everyone of as claimed by Vijay Verma. The poet has quoted Rumi with spiritual fragrance of ghazal and told one couplet has two lines i.e. two misras which constitute ghazal with it’s metre and tough rhythmic path. Poet likens these two worlds, two strong shoulders carrying the worlds of humanism with a benign message to the world for co-existence without discrimination or uneven perceptions in different horizon.
This ghazal has a great message for all times and all readers can relish the wonderful taste of rich Dogri words, their fragrance, range and horizons of abundant imagination. This book of long ghazals has been finely printed with good get-up on quality paper and attractive style keeping the readers absorbed in its narration. Dogri readership will go through it with pleasure and profit.