Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 19: Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages organised a musical evening to pay tributes to the legendary Urdu poet Pandit Vidya Rattan ‘Aasi’.
Dr Surinder Kumar, Principal, Govt SPMR College of Commerce was the chief guest while Prof Lalit Mangotra and Khalid Hussain were guests of honour on the occasion.
At the outset, Secretary JKAACL, Bharat Singh said that Pt Vidya Ratan Aasi was a God gifted poet and remained master of Urdu Ghazal in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that in view of his tremendous and peerless contribution towards Urdu poetry and literature especially in Jammu and Kashmir, JKAACL was paying Musical tribute to this great soul of Jammu and Kashmir.
This was followed by presentation of paper on Pt Vidya Ratan Aasi, read by Khalid Hussain, in which he described his views about the poet.
Aassi was a towering poet of Jammu and Kashmir; his poetry is simple and attracts each and every one. He lived his life in a poor condition. Despite many obstacles, he wrote a poetry which could be placed at a high level. Two books of Urdu poetry, penned down by Aasi and entitled- Dasht-e-Talab and Zindagi Ke Maare Log, were published and got fame among the masses and Urdu lovers of the country.
Prof Lalit Mangotra, in his speech, praised the efforts of JKKACL for organising such programs. He said poetry of Vidya Rattan Aasi will be remembered for a long time, as he projected the realities of life in his poetry.
In his address, Dr Surinder Kumar, Principal, Govt SPMR College of Commerce, said that he was privileged to be part of this evening. He also appreciated the efforts of JKAACL for organizing a memorable program in the memory of Vidya Rattan Aasi.
This was followed by Musical tribute by the renowned singer of Jammu & Kashmir, Dharmesh Nargotra. He mesmerized the audience with his melodious voice. He was equally supported by Rakesh Jasotra on Flute, Chadan on Synth, Arav on Guitar and Rahul Bhardwaj on Tabla.
The programme was ably conducted by Rajkumar Behrupia. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr Shah Nawaz, Editor cum Cultural officer, Gojri, JKAACL.