Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 21: Organized by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, the ‘Symposium on Changing Social and Human values in Dogri literature’, at the K L Saigal Hall, here today, provided a platform for the critically appraisal of modern Dogri literature and how it mirrors social, political, economic or religious situation of Dogra society and bearing on human action.
The inaugural session of symposium, with Prof Rajeev Gupta, Pro Vice Chancellor, Jammu Central University, as chief guest, started with key note address by Prof Veena Gupta who while giving a detailed account of various dominating trends prevailing in India literature, gave an overview of the issues and tendencies in modern Dogri literature. It was followed by paper reading session presided by Prof Nilamber Dev Sharma. In this session three papers on Dogri Short Story, Dogri Poetry and Dogri Drama were presented by Dr Yash Sharma, Sunil Sharma and Rattan Doshi.
Prof Rajeev Sharma in his address said that human society, its highly dynamic system and its values keep on changing with time, especially in the present times of globalization and mass media advancements. A vibrant literature has not only to reflect those changes but also guide the society.
Earlier Prof Lalit Magotra, Convener, Advisory Board in Dogri language, Sahitya Akademi, in his inaugural address, introduced the topic and said that literature needs to be reviewed and evaluated from time to time to assess the progress and direction it is taking. In the second programme entitled ‘Through My Window’, under which an eminent writer speaks about the life and works of a senior distinguished writer, Chhatarpal, one of the leading short story writers of Dogri gave an intimate account of the life and literary oeuvre of Bhagwat Prasad Sathe (1910-1973), who is acknowledged as the father of Dogri Short Story.
Chhatrpal’s intimate and moving account of Sathe’s eventful life and relentless passion for mother tongue, along with critical appreciation of his stories including some of his best works like Masani, Kurme Da Lamaan, were the highlights of the programme.
Santanu Gangopadhayay, the Assistant Editor, Sahitya Akademi, presented the speaker and thanked the audience comprising of writers, poets and members of civil society. Tomorrow at 4pm, in the program ‘Katha-Sandhi, Nirmal Vikram, one of leading Dogri women writer will share her literary journey with fellow writers and audience.
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