Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 20 : Doon, a collection of five connected stories, written by Rohini Vaishnavi was released today by Amarnath Vaishnavi Foundation at the Writers Club here. Vijay Bakaya, ex Chief Secretary, J & K presided over the event.
Vijay Bakaya said that the book was extremely important for passing on the narrative of the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits, through sensitively written short stories, to build bridges between the new generations of Kashmiris.
Author Rohini Vaishnavi said that Doon, which means “Walnut” in Kashmiri, symbolises culture, and the book touches upon an emotional journey about the dilution of culture due to displacement over generations.
Balkrishan Sanyasi called it a story of loss. Prof. R.L Shant said that the stories were lively, characters felt real and the plot was extremely convincing. He said that the stories of women writers were written sensitively and reflected personal experiences of the author.
Dr. Mahesh Kaul, presented a paper and Vinod Kumar, also reflected on the book.
The book portrays the loss of a collective and individual identity due to forced displacement. The geography is embedded in the rituals and traditions which in turn create human bonds, restore and enrich languages. It is a poignant depiction of how cultures die. The stories, depict the nuances of human emotions, mental health, relationships and intangible loss, which left Kashmiri Pandits dumbfounded for almost two decades. It portrays their struggle against the change, which constantly challenged their identity.
Author, Rohini Vaishnavi is an entrepreneur and a social activist who also supported the education of Kashmiri Pandits children living in migrant camps.
The event was supported by “The Writing Experts”, a brand communication and content creation agency founded by Rohini Vaishnavi and Vomedh, a socio-cultural organization, based in Jammu.
Notable scholars and other eminent people from different walks of life attended the event. Among others who attended were Avtar Mota, A.K Naz, Pyare Hatash, Adarsh Ajit, Prof. Kulbhushan Mehrotra, incharge Nanaji Deshmukh library, Kuldeep Saproo and Hiralal Bhat.
B B Sher a well-known social activist presented “Nilmat Puran” to Rohini Vaishnavi.
Ramesh Marhatta anchored the event and Rohit Bhat, president of Vomedh, delivered the vote of thanks.
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