Pratibha Sharma
The maiden literary venture of Rajeshwar Singh Raju with 18 short stories in Dogri language has been widely welcomed in the Dogri literary circles and gained popularity among the readership.
This 136-page Dogri book was formally released only last week at an impressive function held amidst a large number of leading literary figures at Saigal Hall, in the Cultural Academy complex, Jammu. The Minister for Planning and Development, Ajay Sadhotra formally released the book. Mr Sadhotra described the new publication as important addition to the Dogri literature and expressed the hope that the writer would continue to make much more contribution in years to come.
Prof. Nilamber Sharma, former Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Lanuages, who presided over the furnction , stressed the need for dedicated efforts in promoting Dogri language and congratulated the writer for his literary contribution.
Zest for Life
The author, Rajeshwar Singh Raju, who is presently working as Manager in the J&K Bank, shared his experiences in different fields of art and culture and dwelt upon the book which he has dedicated to his parents: Maya Devi and Sansar Singh, who really inspired him in the literary field. Mr. Raju started writing from the young age and now often writes in Hindi, English and Dogril for media of communication , both print and electronic . He has to his credit some documentaries and radio plays . Khouhdal is his first literary venture of 18 short stories in Dogri, few of which have already been carried in Sheeraza and other Dogri periodicals.
Renowned Dogri writer Ved Rahi , in the Preface of the book , has observed that Rajeshwar Singh has a gifted pen to effectively communicate his experiences of life through the genre of short stories in Dogri language. Mr. Raju has graduated to be a literary figure and has the distinction of portraying the art of story writing, Mr Rahi has noted that this book, Khouhdal is a contribution to Dogri literature.
This 136–page book has 18 selected stories on variety of human issues, problems of life and cultural values. He has depicted the psychological , sociological and economic conditions and tackled the issues through his ‘ living characters “ in an interesting and informative way. His languages is simple and direct which touches the deep sentiments of the readership.
The very first story entitled “ Hoar Kae Kardha?” is the story of a young boy who asserts his right to live or even die . This is a bit controversial indeed but has some basic facts in the fast changing society. The second short story is also interesting and instructive . Another masterpiece is the “Mera Sagan- Mai Nai Deena” in which an Army jawan Paramjeet marries the village belly Satya who on the very first day asked him to leave his most risky Army job for her. The jawan retorts “ I extremely love wife as also my duty to defend my motherland”. Story narrates that Paramjeet makes supreme sacrifice on the disturbed border. Satya cherishes the memory of her martyr husband throughout her life as a “ prized possession”.
Interesting Stories
In “Ghutan” a girl Malivika from remote village, Malivika gets married to Jugal ,who later got posted in a multinational company in Mumbai and went to join his new job leaving behind his wife in his native place. Gradually, Malivika feels loneliness and felt “Ghutan”. As per the story Jugal accompanied by his lady secretary comes to meet his wife which sprouts seeds of suspicion in the mind of Malivika. But the air is completely cleared by Jugal by his truthful assurance of sincerity to his wife. Thereafter, the life flows on smoothly. There are a dozen of other interesting, instructive stories in this book.
Useful Literary Work
The printing and overall production of the book is of good quality. Though it has been priced at the higher level but the literary merit will make this book essential reading material of the Dogri literature. Mr. Raju has carved out a niche in the literary circle and is striving for making much more rich contribution to language and literature. It is expected that Khouhdal will certainly be read by large number of people and also adorn it on their book shelves.
(Starline Syndicate Service)
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