JAMMU: A Dogri satires collection ‘Bol Toteya Bol’ by versatile Dogri writer Chhatrapal was released at a function organised by Dogri Sanstha at the K.L Saigal Hall here on Sunday in the presence of a galaxy of writers, poets, intellectuals and artists.
Former Minister Sham Lal Sharma, Convener Advisory Board (Dogri) at Sahitya Akademi Dr Lalit Magotra, former HoD Dogri Department of Jammu University Dr. Veena Gupta, Additional Secretary JAACL Dr Arvinder Singh Amn and some fellow writers released the book published by Dogri Sanstha.
The book, first of its kind, incorporates eighteen satirical stories of ‘Tota-Maina’ series which expose and criticise corruption in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues by using humour, irony, exaggeration and ridicule to improve humanity through traditional fictional characters of Tota and Maina.
Congratulating the writer for producing a book that is considered as a new benchmark in contemporary Dogri fiction, Sham Lal Sharma, who was Chief Guest, said that Chhatrapal, who has been recently selected for Sahitya Akademi Award 2016, has brought laurels to Dogri literature by giving most powerful stories. He said the languages of Dogras has been continuously ignored by the government and denied its right to be taught to the next generation. He exhorted upon government to incorporate Dogri as a subject in schools at primary level. Sharma presented Rs 5,000 to the writer who donated it to the Dogri Sanstha.
Dr Lalit Magotra, who presided over the function, said Chhatrapal is a versatile littérateur who is known for his powerful expression, psychological treatment, literary aesthetics, beauty and power of language in his serious writings while on the other hand his satires speak of his ardent observation, humour and sarcasm, to expose the flaws and vices of society.
Congratulating Dogri Sanstha for bringing out this book, Dr. Veena Gupta discussed the themes and archetypal style of satires of Chhatrapal with special reference to their language and sarcasm.
Chhatrapal read out two satirical stories from the released book and shared his writing process with the audience. Dr Arvinder appreciated the contents of the book and said it should be translated into other languages including Punjabi.
In his welcome address, Narinder Bhasin, Vice President of Dogri Sanstha congratulated Chhatrapal for bringing out his first collection of satirical stories.
The literary function was conducted ably by Dr. Nirmal Vinod who also presented vote of thanks.