O P Sharma
opsharmajournalist@gmail.com
Name of Book : SADAKAN, a collection of Dogri Poems
Author : Santosh Khajuria
Publisher : Khajuria Prakashan Sarwal, Jammu
Year : 2025
Pages : 158
Price : Rs 425
Santosh Khajuria was endowed with a God-gifted pen that wove sweet and melodious Dogri poetry, touching not only the hearts and heads but also the souls of her readers. She hailed from a distinguished Dogra family-the daughter of the reputed Shri Niwas Magotra, a wealthy and respected figure of the pre-Independence era, who, being a strong votary of female education, was instrumental in establishing Maharani Mahila College, Jammu (now GWC Parade), exclusively for girls. Besides this, he was also the founder of Sanatan Dharma Natak Samaaj, founder President of Dogri Sanstha Jammu, and associated with many other prominent organizations.
Smt. Santosh Khajuria attained her Master’s degree in Music after graduation, which further enriched her poetic sensibilities. Naturally inclined towards poetic composition, she evolved into a refined and sensitive poet.
She was married to Satya Dev Khajuria, who served as the Excise Commissioner, Jammu & Kashmir. She received an encouraging environment that allowed her latent poetic talent to blossom fully.
Pleasing Poetry:
An outstanding Dogri poet, Santosh Khajuria created a bouquet of sweet, melodious poems rooted in basic human values and enriched by her own experiences. She penned four volumes of Dogri poetry, viz. Tricholi, Bhole Bhav, Badlondian Bahaaran, and the latest Sadakan. All her works received wide appreciation. She enjoyed a long list of admirers and held a high rank among contemporary Dogri poets during her lifetime. Although she was honoured with several awards and recognitions, notable among them the Tagore Literary Award, she unfortunately did not receive the coveted Sahitya Akademi Award, despite being richly deserving of it.
The present book, Sadakan, a 158-page Dogri poetry collection, has been published posthumously in 2025 by her illustrious son, Rohit Khajuria (retired senior JKAS officer). He has contributed a deeply emotional and poetic Samarpan, expressing his love, longing, and reverence for his mother-a seasoned poet of high repute.
Dr. Vandana Sharma, daughter-in-law of the late poet, has also written a heartfelt Samaan-Sneh, using emotionally charged words to praise the intellectual depth and compassionate heart of her mother-in-law. Together, these two notes beautifully sketch the admirable qualities of Dogri poet Santosh Khajuria.
Literary Merit:
The foreword of the book has been written by Prof. Dr. Veena Gupta, Sahitya Akademi Awardee in Dogri and former HOD, PG Dogri Department, Jammu University, who provides an insightful and in-depth analysis of Santosh Khajuria’s poetic journey and the high literary quality of her Dogri compositions. She quotes from the poet’s work “Nirasha”:
Aayi jawani gayi jawani
Laga budhepa hon tayar
Mana di mana vich reyi gayi
Bakhle labban andar baar
“Youth has passed and old age stands ready; emotions remain confined within, while the world outside feels distant.”
Another powerful verse by Santosh Khajuria reads:
Main aapu ge kahani
Main aapu kathakaar
Mera har paatr ai mera aakaar
Main maan, main babb
Main pichle di leeng
Main dhi, main puttar
Main agdhi bi peeng
(I am my own story and also its storyteller. Every character reflects my being. I am mother and father, the link between past and present. I am daughter and son, the swing between the generations.)
Emotion-Packed Sentiments:
This Dogri book Sadakan contains 42 melodious, sweet, and thoughtfully crafted poems, including Kiyaan Haq Mein Chodhan, Akhri Manzil, Do Gharian Raat, Dharam Di Tasveer, Soch, Sadakan, Khore-bol, Rishta, Rajjie Hassi Leya, Honi Di Jeet, Jigra Badda Karna Ponda, Lamma, Nami Bahar, Naa Umedi, Dunia Di Reet, Eh Shinda Nayi Mukna, Har Chehra Daagi, Be-Aas, Majburi, Kandi-da-Basna, Karma De Maat, Nirasha, Maa, and Soochen Da Saath. Each poem stands out for its depth, emotion, and lyrical beauty.
Lessons of Life:
The book has been finely printed on quality paper, with an appealing cover and sturdy binding. Written in chaste and sweet Dogri, the poems are thoughtful, meaningful, and capable of capturing the readers’ attention and admiration.
Both the publisher and Classic Printers deserve praise for their professional and commendable work in presenting these selected poetic compositions so gracefully. Santosh Khajuria was truly a poet of the masses-her voice continues to live on in our lives, libraries, and literary heritage, shining like a bright star.
This publication, initiated by Rohit Khajuria and Dr. Vandana Sharma, is a worthy memorial tribute. It reinforces the responsibility of future generations to remain connected with their cultural roots and honour past achievers. Sadakan, a collection of Dogri poetry, is sure to be warmly welcomed by all sections of society. Late Santosh Khajuria will always remain a luminous presence on the horizon of the Dogri language and Indian literature.
The author is a Jammu based Journalist.
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