Amit Mehra
In the heart of Jammu’s rugged hills, Abdul Quddir Kundria, born in 1963 in Kundra village, Reasi district, has woven a legacy of words that pulse with the rhythm of Dogri life. A poet for over 35 years, Kundria’s latest collection, Gote Gai Gote, stands as a testament to his ability to capture the human condition with raw simplicity and profound depth. This exploration celebrates the transformative power of his poetry, illuminating how it touches the core of humanity, stirs reflection, and inspires change. Kundria, retired from the State Motor Garages Department in Jammu and Kashmir, is no ordinary poet. Mentored by luminaries like Prof. Ram Nath Shastri and Kuldeep Singh Jandralia, he sharpened his craft to blend emotional clarity with cultural resonance. His affiliation with Dogri Sanstha, Jammu, and appearances on Doordarshan and Radio Kashmir have amplified his voice, making him a revered figure in Dogri literature. His works, shared by platforms like the International Dogra Society, London, Tawi Journal, and Reasi Updates, ripple across borders, carrying messages of hope and awareness.
Gote Gai Gote, unveiled in 2024 by Dogri Sanstha in a literary ceremony where Padma Shri Balwant Thakur unveiled its cover, is a multilingual tapestry woven in Dogri, Urdu, and Hindi. Its title, evoking the metaphor of diving into life’s depths, speaks to the relentless struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. The collection, sung by Lovely Chandra, resonates with its unadorned language, making it a vessel for universal truths. Each poem is a mirror, reflecting the joys and sorrows of marginalized communities, particularly those in rural Jammu.
The collection’s themes strike at the heart of existence. Kundria addresses the scourge of youth addiction, urging a path to redemption. He laments the exclusion of rural voices, giving them dignity through his verses. His words mourn the erosion of cultural values while championing communal harmony. Each line is a call to awaken, to resist despair, and to rebuild with purpose. This poetry does not merely observe; it heals, offering solace to the weary and courage to the downtrodden.
Kundria’s style is a masterclass in accessibility. His use of local idioms and colloquial wisdom roots his work in the soil of Dogri culture, yet its multilingual nature invites a broader audience. The rhythm of his verses flows like a mountain stream, gentle yet forceful, carrying readers into the lives of those often unseen. Metaphors of diving and surfacing weave through the collection, symbolizing resilience in the face of adversity. This simplicity is deceptive, masking a profound ability to stir the soul and ignite reflection.
The impact of Gote Gai Gote transcends literary circles. Critics have hailed it as a landmark in Dogri literature, praising its fearless portrayal of societal undercurrents. At its unveiling, attended by literary stalwarts and cultural advocates, it was described as a torch illuminating paths to social healing. Its verses resonate with teachers seeking to inspire, youth grappling with identity, and communities yearning for unity. Kundria’s ability to critique without accusing and to offer hope without ignoring pain makes this collection a beacon for change.
In a world fractured by division, Kundria’s poetry is a bridge. It speaks to the farmer in Reasi’s hills, the urban dweller seeking meaning, and the global reader craving authenticity. His words remind us that literature can be activism, a quiet revolution against apathy. By addressing issues like substance abuse and cultural erosion, he empowers readers to confront their own challenges with courage. His poetry is a sanctuary, offering refuge to those navigating life’s storms.
The collection’s universal appeal lies in its humanity. Kundria does not preach; he invites. His poems are conversations, urging readers to dive into their own depths, confront their truths, and emerge stronger. This transformative power touches the pulse of mankind, fostering empathy and action. Whether read in a quiet village or a bustling city, Gote Gai Gote speaks to the shared struggles and dreams that bind us.
Abdul Quddir Kundria’s Gote Gai Gote is more than a book; it is a lifeline. It challenges us to see the unseen, to hear the silenced, and to act with purpose. For lovers of poetry, educators, and advocates of social justice, this collection is a must-read. It stands as a powerful reminder that words, when crafted with heart, can change lives, mend communities, and inspire a better world. Kundria’s voice, rooted in Dogri soil, echoes far beyond, touching the very essence of what it means to be human.
(The writer is Social and Political Activist)
