Shadow Correspondent
jammu, Jan, 20
“Pahadh Apni Jagah Chhod Raha Hai”- a collection of poetry by renowned Hindi litterateur Sheikh Mohammed Kalyan was released here on Sunday in a simple yet impressive function organized at Press Club Jammu.
The function, organized by Sanskriti Manch Jammu (SMJ) in collaboration with the Press Club Jammu, was presided over by veteran litterateur and former Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Cultural and Languages (JKAACL) Ramesh Mehta. Another prominent Dogri litterateur of the state and convenor Dogri Advisory Board, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi Darshan Darshi was the chief guest.
This was second poetic collection of Sheikh Mohammed Kalyan. In his welcome address, SMJ president Abhimnyu Sharma, who is also the vice president of Press Club Jammu, said that though such a function was organized by Manch after quite a long spell yet it always remained committed to the progressive, socialist values which it promoted through its programmes. He also announced the SMJ’s popular literary programme “Vasant Key Harkaarey” would be resumed very soon. “In the programme, papers would be presented critically analyzing the poetry of a young poet, who would also recite some of his selected poems. A poster-exhibition based on his or her poems would also be organized,” he said. Abhimanyu maintained that SMJ needed the cooperation of litterateurs of all languages to exchange ideas to bring revolutionary changes in society through literature and retain creative freedom.
President Press Club Jammu Ashwani Kumar in his brief address reiterated his commitment to encourage artists and litterateurs and promote their literary endeavours in all possible manner. He also greeted Kalyan for his second poetic collection. On this occasion, well-known Hindi poets and critics Kamaljeet Chowdhary and Dr Rajni Bala also presented papers critically appreciating Kalyan’s poetry vis-à-vis contemporary Hindi poetry scenario.
Sheikh Mohammed Kalyan, while addressing the gathering, stated that the poetry for him was integral to his persona and the verses would come to him as his principles, his values which he cherished throughout his life. “I leave it to my readers to evaluate my success or failure in my endeavour,” he said, Later he recited some of his selected poems from the collection.
Darshan Darshi, while lauding the poetic endeavour of Kalyan, said that he (Kalyan) was able to move with his honest expression. “His poetry reflects the regional flavour of Jammu in its purest and the best possible form,” he added. Mehta, in his presidential remarks, said, “Kalyan’s poetry ably weaved tension, anxiety and conflicts in the contemporary scenario which are all an outcome of fast paced life and prevailing consumerist culture. Dramatic elements make them interesting and poet’s simplicity in expression helps readers to relate themselves to it and also with the marginalized sections.”
SMJ founder and renowned litterateur Manoj Sharma, while presenting vote of thanks, said Kalyan’s poetry subtly demarcates the societal evolution in a moving way. Known theatrist Rajkumar Bahurupia ably conducted the proceedings.
