Dassi’s Chander Vaakh’ released
KS Correspondent
JAMMU, May 31, 2003: Smt. Chandra Dassi’s poetry
collection "Chandra Vaakh" was released in an impressive function organised by
“Nagrad Adbi Sangami” at Press Club Jammu here today. The book which belongs to
the genre of mystic poetry was released by guest of honour Prof. O.P. Sharma,
Dean Academic Affairs University of Jammu and the function was presided over by
the renowned Shaivism scholar Dr. Balji Nath Pandit.
Chandra Dassi
In his welcome address, president of "Nagrad Adbi Sangam", Sh. Mohan Lal Aash congratulated Chandra Dassi and described her book as a
precious contribution to Kashmiri Literature. He said that “Vaakhs” do not form
part of traditional poetry but these are ‘expressions of experiences with
spirituality’.
Presenting his paper on the book, Dr. B.L. Koul gave an
in-depth evaluation of the book, ranging from its literary value to technical
aspects. Referring to the release of many other ‘Mystic Poetry’ books since
1990, he described it as the revival of the ‘Mystic Poetry’ era. Dr. Koul said
that ‘Chander Vaakh’ has been written in both Nastalik and Devnagri
scripts. Many other Kashmiri Hindus have also published their literary works
in Nastalik as well to reach the Kashmiris on other side of the tunnel
and wondered “if there is even feeling among those people to write in Devgnagri
to reach the Kashmiris living on this side of the tunnel”.
Chandra Dassi, in her address, thanked the people for
their participation and recited some new “Vaakhs” that are not included in the
book. She said that she got the inspiration of composing Vaakhs from her Guru
Swami Hari Krishna.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. O.P. Sharma said that he
was just representing Vice-Chancellor University of Jammu, Prof. Amitab Mattoo,
who could not make to the function because of his engagements regarding
preparations for the coming convocation. He said that though he cannot
understand Kashmiri, but from occasional Hindi descriptions by the speakers, he
could gather that the book is the outcome of hard work and expressed
satisfaction that more and more women are coming forward to contribute to the
literary world.
Dr. Balji Nath Pandit, Dr. Roshan Saraf and Dr. R.L.
Shant also spoke on the occasion Mrs. Kailash Mehra recited some “Vaakhs” from
the book in her melodious voice. The function was attended by galaxy of writers,
poets and artists.
Source: Kashmir
Sentinel
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