Pratibha Sharma
Famous Dogri writer, Ved Rahi added yet another feature in his cap with his latest book: ” Battotar” having a collection of his latest Dogri poetry. Winner of covetous Sahitya Akademi Award , he is recipient of many other prestigious honours and has established himself as a prolific writer in the mother-tongue, Dogri . Mr Rahi has established his reputation as a writer and won acclaim in the film industry. This 116-page Dogri poetry collection has aroused widespread interest in the literary circles and made a significant addition to the Dogri literature.
Belonging to noted Saraf family of Jammu, Ved Rahi had a stint working in the J&K State Information Department, then having association with the Radio Station, Jammu and afterwards wrote some high-value books and earned a niche as a creative figure the shifted to Mumbai (Maharasthra State) and made significant strides in filmdom as well as literary fields but remained struck to writing in Dogri language as well. Some of his works are landmarks.
The present book under review contains 47 general poems in Dogri, 17 are gazals and also 18 Bhakhah ( which are typical Dogri songs with folk-touch music). This creative expression of Mr Rahi in his mother-tongue will certainly go down in the Indian literature as a new and refreshing air and inform and instruct the readership. In this poetry, Mr Ved Rahi shares his rich experiences and emotions in his inimitable lucid style, simple and direct language and flight of imagination and depth of thought process. The book shall enhance further the Dogri language which already is in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution and making significant strides on literary scene.
Jammuites are proud that the son of the soil is still devotedly actively engaged in projecting the Dogri language and promoting the Duggar’s cultural heritage. It will definitely arouse interest among the all the people, especially in Jammu and Kashmir . The State Government should make available these type of books in the network of public libraries and it is essential that almost all Dogri knowing persons adorn this book on their personal book selves and enjoy the Dogri poetry penned by Ved Rahi in his matchless style and substance.
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.
Ved Rahi has put a good word in this book for the Dogri language. He has worked on numerable film productions of Hrishikesh Mukherji, Rahi Masoom Raza, Ramanand Sagar (who had been associated with The Ranbir, Urdu weekly and published by Ved Rahi’s father, Mulk Raj Saraf) . Among his proud works is the monumental enrichment of Kashmiri literature by saintly Lal Deed and Mr Rahi has written a book on Lal Deed put out by National Book Trust, India which has won the hearts of readership all over.
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, his creative journey is still on. This book is a distinct contribution to Dogri literature.
Both the publisher as weel as the author deserve appreciation for ” “Battotar”, a book of poetry in Dogri.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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