Pratibha Sharma
The noted Dogri writer, Ved Rahi has penned the 146-page book on the essays depicting the very important topics related to Dogri and also wide range of his experiences in literature, culture and filmdom.
The book has much literary merit and valuable discussion on some important aspects of literature and some leading lights connected with our cultural heritage. It has recently been published by the National Book Trust (NBT), India and is another feather in the cap of Ved Rahi. As per the policy of NBT, it has been moderately priced so that it reaches the maximum number of readers.
The author has devoted 20 odd chapters depicting different themes and topics selected by him. The very first subject of deliberations is a philosophical angle to the worldly affairs. He pleads for “looking inwards and following eternal message of Geeta preaching for Karmas (action without expectation of fruit). It is here that Ved Rahi is philosophical in his approach to the art of living a purposeful and perfect life. Of course, he is all for promotion of literature and enrichment of cultural heritage.
The excellence of his liberal thought process is evidenced in the second chapters “Sun is not merely mine” in which he upholds the bounty of nature and his utility to the entire humankind, just as sun gives light and life to all. His observations about vital links between different regions, communities and philosophies are critical for the survival and unity of the human beings and environs.
True to his passion for mother-tongue, Dogri and the Duggar, Ved Rahi has dwelt on the unique music item of Bhakh, which is peculiar to hilly areas of Jammu region, at once charming and sweet. He has made mention of few of the Bhakh singers too and predicted a good future for this genre of folk music. Born and brought in Jammu, Ved Rahi shifted to Mumbai long years back and is well acquainted with Marathi language and culture. He has showered praises on famous saint of Maharashtra and wished that somebody like him would have written poetry in Dogri in our land.
The author has written a detailed account of pioneer Dogri writer, Dinu Bhai Pant and his powerful poetry, he has also given due place to noted poets: Vedpal Deep and Padma Sachdev in the Dogri literature. Ved Rahi has put a good word in this book for the Dogri language. Making reference to Pritpal Singh Betab’s poetic composition has rightly been discerned as having deep impact of Guru Granth Sahib. Having long innings in the filmdom, Ved Rahi in this book has given detailed accounts of working and numerable film productions of Hrishikesh Mukherji, Rahi Masoom Raza and on top of it Ramanand Sagar who had been associated with The Ranbir, newspaper edited and published by Ved Rahi’s father, Mulk Raj Saraf.
The author has made laudable mention of legendary singer Mohamed Rafi who held sway for long years and made rich contribution to Indian film industry. His songs touched the high peaks of popularity and are still in great demand among the masses.
Refreshing his memories, Ved Rahi has made mention of renowned writers like Rajinder Singh Bedi alias Hajur Singh and written about the literary attainments of this first Director of Radio Station Jammu. Ved Rahi has not failed to evaluate contribution of Rehman Rahi as also the monumental enrichment of Kashmiri literature by saintly Lal Deed. Mr Rahi is intimately connected both with the culture and mass media and he has expressed his views for the benefit of the readers.
Renowned artists Amrita Pritam and Imroze’s relationship, life and works have been commented upon by Ved Rahi by throwing ample light on them.
Ved Rahi is a prolific writer and has a number of books in Dogri to his credit. He has already created a niche among the Dogri writers and it is noteworthy that living in Mumbai pre-occupied with numerous literary, cultural and film assignments. This book, Soch, is a distinct contribution to Dogri literature.
The NBT of India is rendering a much needed service to Dogri language by putting out a number of books after its recognition in the Indian Constitution. This well written book has been moderately priced and so must be widely read by all the Dogri knowing people. Both NBT and the author deserve appreciation. Syndicate Service)
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