Excelsior Correspondent
![Vice Chancellor of JU, Prof RD Sharma and others releasing Dogri book ‘Nav-Geet’ during function in Jammu on Tuesday.](http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/page5-5-300x225.jpg)
JAMMU, June 30: The first ever collection of ‘Nav-Geet’ in Dogri by prominent Dogri and Hindi poet Dr Nirmal Vinod, ‘Mein Kasturi Hiran’, was released in a function held at KL Saigal Hall here today.
Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Prof RD Sharma released the book along with Prof Lalit Magotra, Convener, Advisory Board for Dogri at Sahitya Academi, Joginder Chhatrapal, president Dogri Sanstha Jammu and Dr AS Aman, Additional Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
Congratulating the poet for producing a book that is considered as a new benchmark in contemporary Dogri poetry, Prof Sharma said that Nirmal Vinod has brought laurels to Dogri by giving new dimension to its poetry. He assured the audience that Jammu University shall do its best to strengthen the Dogri Department to do the needful to promote Dogri language.
Prof Magotra, who presided over the function, said that 143-page poetry collection which contains 72 songs compiled in 5 sections is a unique contribution of Nirmal Vinod in respect of content and style that refreshes the mind and heart with a deep sense of pleasure and contentment. He stressed the need for better atmosphere for research in Dogri language and literature on new and relevant subjects in the University which is the only place where research work is being done in Dogri.
On this occasion a paper that brought out silent features of the collection of songs in ‘Mein Kasturi Hiran ’ was also read by Susheel Begana. Dr Veena Gupta, former HoD Dogri Department in JU and Dr Aman also presented their views on the book.
Earlier, welcoming the audience Mr Chhatrapal threw light on the literary journey of Nirmal Vinod who is active in creative writing from early seventies and has 10 collections of poetry in Hindi and Dogri to his credit which also include the first-ever ‘Doha Satsai’ in Dogri. He said that Jammu University can play a pivotal role in encouraging the writers by purchasing their books for its central, departmental and college libraries. Dr Nirmal Vinod recited some songs from the released book. Dr Shashi Pathania, former HoD Dogri conducted the program. The vote of thanks was presented by Narinder Bhasin, the vice president of Dogri Sanstha.