Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 8: A new collection of Dogri songs, ‘Aaya Geeten Da Banjara’, by the celebrated poet Gyaneshwar’, was released here today in the presence of writers, artists and intellectuals representing different languages.
Anil Goswami, former Home secretary GOI, Jugal Mahajan, former chief, Chamber of Commerce & Industry Jammu and V S Sambyal, Station Director, Radio Kashmir Jammu along with Chhatrapal, president Dogri Sanstha Jammu, released the book which incorporates 131 choicest songs.
Congratulating the poet for producing a book that is considered as a new benchmark in contemporary Dogri poetry, Mr Goswami said that Gyaneshwar, a Sahitya Academi awardee, has brought laurels to Dogri by giving most melodious songs. His songs represent his love for his land, its nature and the rich traditions of Duggar, he added.
Jugal Mahajan recalled his long association with Dogri Sanstha and eulogized its role in enriching Dogri language, literature and culture.
On this occasion, a paper that brought out salient features of the collection of songs in ‘Aaya Geeten Da Banjara ‘ was read by Susheel Begana. He highlighted the literary and aesthetic qualities of songs.
Earlier, Chhatrapal threw light on the literary qualities of Gyaneshwar who bagged the first Bal Sahitya Puruskar of Sahitya Academi for Dogri. The songs of ‘Aaya Geeten Da Banjara’ open up new windows of expression introducing new imagery, height of imagination and thought in Dogri poetry, he added.
A musical presentation of Gyaneshwar’s songs, composed by the noted music director Brij Mohan, was the highlight of today’s programme in which young singers namely Manoj Bakshi, Chinmayee Sharma, Kusha Sharma, Roshi Shaminotra, Harleen Kour and Varsha Jamwal entertained the audience in their mellifluous voices. Rakesh Anand, Sanjay Pashi and Karan Malhotra provided the accompaniment on flute, Guitar and tabla in masterly manner. Gyaneshwar also recited some of his choicest songs in the programme.
The singers and artist were presented mementos by the dignitaries on behalf of Dogri Sanstha. Dr Nirmal Vinod conducted proceedings of the programme while vote of thanks was presented by Narendra Bhasin.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
