JAMMU: A new collection of Dogri songs ‘Aaya Geeten Da Banjara’ by the poet Gyaneshwar was released in a function held at KL Saigal Hall here on Friday by Dogri Sanstha Jammu.
Anil Goswami, former Home secretary GoI, Jugal Mahajan, former Chief, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu and V.S Sambyal, Station Director, Radio Kashmir Jammu along with Chhatrapal, President Dogri Sanstha Jammu released the book which incorporates 131 choicest songs.
Congratulating the poet for producing a book that is considered as a new benchmark in contemporary Dogri poetry, Goswami said that Gyaneshwar, a Sahitya Academi awardee, has brought laurels to Dogri by giving most melodious songs.
Jugal Mahajan recalled his long association with Dogri Sanstha and eulogised its role in enriching Dogri language, literature and culture.
Sambyal also congratulated the poet for his new book.
A paper that brought out salient features of the collection of songs in ‘Aaya Geeten Da Banjara ‘ was also read by Susheel Begana, himself a reputed poet. He highlighted the literary and aesthetic qualities of songs.
Earlier welcoming the audience, Chhatrapal threw light on the literary journey of Gyaneshwar who bagged the first Bal Sahitya Puruskar of Sahitya Academi for Dogri. The songs of ‘Aaya Geeten Da Banjara’ open up new windows of expression introducing new imagery, height of imagination and thought in Dogri poetry, he added.
A musical presentation of Gyaneshwar’s songs composed by the noted music director Brij Mohan was the highlight of today’s programme in which young singers namely Manoj Bakshi, Chinmayee Sharma, Kusha Sharma, Roshi Shaminotra, Harleen Kour and Varsha Jamwal entertained the audience in their mellifluous voices. Rakesh Anand, Sanjay Pashi and Karan Malhotra provided the accompaniment on, flute, guitar and Tabla in masterly manner. Gyaneshwar also recited some of his choicest songs in the programme. The singers and artist were presented mementos by the dignitaries on behalf of Dogri Sanstha.
Dr. Nirmal Vinod, General Secretary, conducted and presented the programme which was enjoyed by a large number of audience.
Narendra Bhasin, Vice President, DS presented vote of thanks.