Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 8: A collection of Dogri satires, titled ‘Bol Toteya Bol’, by versatile Dogri writer Chhatrapal, was released here during a function organized by the Dogri Sanstha, in presence of a galaxy of writers, poets, intellectuals and artists
Sham Lal Sharma, former minister, released the book in the presence of Dr Lalit Magotra, convener Advisory Board (Dogri) at Sahitya Akademi, Dr Veena Gupta, former HoD Dogri Deptt of Jammu University, Dr Arvinder Singh Aman, Additional Secretary JAACL and some fellow writers.
The book, published by Dogri Sanstha, is first of its kind, which incorporates eighteen satirical stories of ‘Tota-Maina’ series, exposing and criticizing corruption in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues by using humour, irony, exaggeration and ridicule to improve humanity through traditional fictional characters of Tota and Maina.
Congratulating the writer for producing a book that is considered as a new benchmark in contemporary Dogri fiction, Sham Lal Sharma said that Chhatrapal, who has been recently selected for Sahitya Akademi award 2016, has brought laurels to Dogri literature by giving most powerful stories. He said the languages of Dogras has been continuously ignored by the Govt and denied its right to be taught to the next generation. He exhorted upon Government to incorporate Dogri as a subject in schools at Primary level. Sharma presented rupees five thousand to the writer who donated it to Dogri Sanstha.
Dr Lalit Magotra, who presided over the function, said that Dogri literature somehow lacks in satirical works and the released book will cover up this lacking to some extent. Dr Veena Gupta discussed the themes and archetypal style of satires of Chhatrapal with special reference to their language and sarcasm.
Chhatrapal read out two satirical stories from the released book and shared his writing process with the audience. Dr Aman said that the book should be translated into other languages, including Punjabi
Earlier, Narinder Bhasin presented a formal welcome address. Dr Nirmal Vinod conducted proceedings of the programme and also presented vote of thanks .The function was well attended by leading writers, poets and members of the civil society despite heavy downpour.
Follow our WhatsApp channel