Book on Dogri ghazals released

Tribune News Service

Jammu, December 26

The Dogri Sanstha, Jammu, today released a book of Dogri ghazals authored by Ashok Ambar, entitled “Namaan Savera”.

Darshan Darshi, convener of the Dogri Advisory Board in Sahitya Akademi, was the chief guest at the function which was presided over by Professor Lalit Magotra, president, Dogri Sanstha.

Arvinder Singh Amn, Additional Secretary of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, was the guest of honour on the occasion. Yash Raina read a paper highlighting the literary merits of the released book.

Prof Magotra, in his presidential address pointed out that for quite some time it was being felt that Dogri poetry had reached a level of saturation. “When we have to talk of excellence, we always look back to the past, but recently some of the new poets have kindled new hope and at times their writings touch new heights of excellence in poetry, in general and Dogri ghazal in particular,” he said.

Darshan Darshi, while speaking on the merits of the book, said Ashok Ambar’s poetry had added new dimensions to Dogri literature, not only through new subjects and themes but also by virtue of his style and the usage of typical chaste Dogri vocabulary and idiom.

“In Ashok Ambar, Dogri has got a new sensitive poet, who has raised the expectations of lovers of Dogri literature,” he added. Arvinder Singh Amn observed that expression of common man’s problems and aspirations in Ashok’s couplets presented a realistic view of life that made a direct impact on the reader. Ashok Ambar read some of his ghazals, which were immensely liked by the audience. The programme was conducted and anchored by poet Susheel Begana.