SUNDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2020 (PAGE 3) CULTURAL ROUND-UP 2020 Lalit Gupta Modern Kashmiri Poetry starting from Great poet Master Zind Kaul (b.1884) to Nighat Sahiba (b.1983) numbering 90 representative Kashmiri poets. M.K. San- We will never forget the year 2020. Tales of the pandemic that swept toshi wrote short stories, published poems in 'Vipasha'(Shimla), 'Aadharshilla' through the world and stayed will be recounted to the younger gen- (Dehradoon) and ' Bahuvachan' (Vardha). He also completed his diary 'Lest Not erations. In this year, where more than 17 lakh people succumbed to Forget, a telling tale of the existential crisis in migration. His translation of the the corona virus, scarring their families forever, night curfews, the selected verses of Nund Rishi is awaiting launch. Rashtriya Bhasha Prachar prohibition of public gatherings, shutting of businesses leaving lakhs Samiti organized multilingual poetry symposia, national seminar on Human Val- unemployed, trapped away from homes, jobless migrants walking ues in Indian Literature, and a book release function of Kewal Kumar Kewal's three thousands of miles on foot, but there were also a few things that we books at village Burai. will cherish when we look back on 2020. Punjabi: Bhavneet Kaur's English novel 'The Spirit of The post-pandemic scenario was marked by the disruption of the Chiron' was translated by Dr. Manojit under the title 'Teen 'normal' rhythms of life. Among other things, it dramatically affect- Sunehre Darwaze'. Other new additions in Punjabi were four ed the practice and exhibition of the major forms of cultural expres- novels by Bhupinder Singh Raina and MS Kamra's poet- sions. Confined to homes, the artists and artistes, poets and writers ry collection Boond Banegi Sagar. Khalid Hussain's new and performers found solace and a new kind of freedom in showcas- short stories collection Ishq Malangi in Gurmukhi script Pun- ing their works on social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, jabi was also released. Punjabi Lekhak Sabha held fort- nightly/monthly literary meetings. Punjabi Sahitik Sabha, WhatsApp, etc. Online exhibitions, concerts, literary meets have R.S. Pura also conducted literary events. Guru Nanak Chair become the 'new normal' virtual spaces with an enormous reach. in Jammu University was established and UGC approved Pun- Many social media groups launched by cultural activists have jabi Magazine Aabru was also regularly published. Liaqat Jafri become effective platforms to voice their concerns about the neglect Pahari: Swami Antar Neerav, the prolific poet of the of natural and man-made heritage by successive governments. A num- Pahari language continued to enrich the corpus of modern Pahari literature. ber of webinars held by such groups have brought focus on the crim- Medhavi Sharma's stories from Duggar land Urdu: A poet/writer of international repute Liaqat Jafri participated in num- inal neglect of tangible and intangible heritage. The citizens' candid ber of many national and international online programs. The song 'Bhool Chuke expose has called attention to the lack of vigorous policies for show- tourism, culture and her- itage including rural tourism, Mubarak Mandi Restoration, adventure tourism poten- Hain', written by him was released by Zee Music Company while his other song 'Sur- casing local crafts. The continuing cold-shouldering of the tourism ma' was released by T-Series. He has also started a website called www.urduinc.com tial in Jammu, working towards resurrection and recognition of the distinct and potential of Kishtwar, Bhadarwah, and other highland valleys of . Khalid Hussain's Urdu short stories collection, 'Jannat Grehan' was also unique identity of Jammu. The group members have contributed immensely to the Poonch, Rajouri, has put the heritage, pilgrimage, eco, and adventure released. cultural landscape by creating digital posters, illustrations, creatives, video clips, arti- sports tourism on the backburner. Posting of telltale pictures by the Gojari: Javed Rahi's @JavaidRahi YouTube Channel, by posting videos on cles, write-ups, books and social media posts. members of such groups on the internet has left many in the authori- topics like Gujjar origin, history, culture, folklore, socio-economic issues, nomadic Cultural Academy: The official cultural content creator of J&K was forced to way of life, has done a great service in building the Gujjar identity. ty to scurry and take prompt actions. put on hold all its field activities due to the Pandemic. Abhinav Theatre, the winter Before talking about notable achievers of this Cartoon: Manoj Chopra's work titled 'Book' got selected at the World Press capital's premier performance space also wore a deserted look. Cultural Academy's Cartoon, Portugal for the sixth time. His works were also exhibited at exhibitions year let's pay homage to the legendary person- offices at Rajouri, Doda, and Kathua witnessed negligible activities. However, the pub- ality of Nilamber Dev Sharma who bid final at Croatia, Egypt, Iran, Romania, etc. Cartoonist Chander Shekhar organized lication program of Academy's languages sections in Dogri, Hindi, Punjabi, Pahari online cartoon exhibition of his works on the Coronavirus outbreak. adieu this year. Former Secretary of J&K Cul- and Gojari has continued in full swing. tural Academy and President of Dogri Sanstha, Medhavi, daughter of the soil hailing from Udhampur, has come out with a nov- DOGRI: With new education policy clearing the way for the mother tongues as a el initiative titled 'Parolaa', to explore and revive awareness about Dogra culture he was a gentleman to the core. His life was saga medium of instruction at the primary school level, Dogri has certainly got a new lease of dedication to cause of the recognition and through art. Currently pursuing Masters in Textile Design at National Institute of of life. The decision, at the same time, poses challenges to create teaching material in Design, Ahmedabad, she aspires to bring forward the forgotten stories of Duggar promotion of Dogri as a modern language. The Dogri on scientific lines so as to inculcate in young ones the love and respect for the through her Dogri character such as Bobo ji, the elder sister, Lambad-Daar ji (her hus- foremost Urdu poet of Jammu Arsh Sehbai mother tongue. Dogri Sanstha Jammu: The premier literary NGO, under the presi- band) and Durga (daughter). Medhavi's characters created through illustration and (Hans Raj Abrol), popular in the sub-conti- Nilamber Dev Arsh Sehbai dentship of Prof. Lalit Magotra achieved a milestone with the completion of audi- animation have emerged as quintessential symbols of cultural Dogra identity. Her nent as the master of Gazal passed away leaving Sharma (Hans Raj Abrol) torium in the Dogri Bhawan Complex. On the publication front, Sanstha came out videos of animated series gone viral on social media are a hit with young viewers. behind a rich corpus of Urdu poetry. with Books/Magazines such as Adhunik Dogri Kavita, Bawa Jitto-a play, Sarpanch- NGO Jammu & Kashmir Centre for Creative Arts (JKCCA) conducted a Awards and Honours a play, Katha Kunj - a collection of short stories, Nanu Peer di Jung da Aakhri qila National Artists Workshop at Mansar. Later, making the use of Digital Platforms, JKC- - a novel. It published new numbers of "Nami Chetna" such as a collection of Mod- CA, organized Online International Art Exhibitions, including one dedicated to Late National Transla- ern Dogri short stories, a collection of free verse Dogri poetry, Dogri Sanstha Safar- Gobind Kaur, 1st Woman Contemporary Sculptor of Jammu.NGOs: Viraj Kala tion Award: Well nama -a brief history of Dogri Sanstha, and Platinum Jubilee Granth, containing Kendra, Jammu: Under the aegis of Raj Bharti, the Kendra organized on-line chil- known Dogri writer, the memoirs of senior Dogri writers regarding Dogri Sanstha. Dogri Sanstha have dren competitions of singing, dancing, solo-acting and poster making and also literary Rattan Lal Basotra uploaded 60 of its published books on the Dogri Sanstha website: program on the theme Relevance of Theatre in bringing social change. The Kendra was bestowed with www.dogrisanstha.org. Sanstha released four Dogri books and One audiovisual CD; commemorated the Birth anniversary of Late V R Khajuria in collaboration with Ver- Sahitya Akademi's Anginit Gaas-Poetry by Lalit Magotra, Cheten di Chanani - Poetry by Puran man Cultural celebrations, Jammu and K H Art Gallery, Hiranagar by organizing online national award for Trans- Chandra Sharma, Hirkhi Pounger - Poetry by Inderjit Kesar, Koi te hai- Short sculpture art exhibition. Art NGO Master Sansar Chand Baru Trust, in collabo- lation-2019 (announced stories by Ashok Dutta, Kankaan Pakkiyan - Audiovisual CD of songs by Manju ration with ICCR, New Delhi, held a five-day National Art workshop and other pro- in Feb. 2020) for his Bala. grams in Jammu. Dogri translation 'Satisar Documentaries: Senior film maker Sudesh Verma produced for Sahitya Akademi a documentary on the life and works of late Pran Kishor Koul, well Col. Raaz Manawari Ved Rahi Rattan Lal Di Kahani of Chan- Basotra draKanta's Hindi novel known writer/actor/broadcaster of J&K. Katha Satisar. Theatre: With its founder-director Balwant Thakur away to Johannesburg, Ram Nath Shashtri Award: The coveted Prof. Ram Nath Shashtri Memorial South Africa, on a prestigious assignment, the prominent theatre group Natrang Award was presented under the aegis of Dogri Sanstha to Col. Raaz Manawari for his along with its regular Sunday Theater series, held a virtual theatre festival titled book 'Haamb', a collection of Dogri Ghazals and Rubais. 'Quarantine Theatre Festival' which featured 25 plays in 25 days. It also organised Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Award: Veteran Dogri poet and writer, Ved Rahi International Theatre talk Show, which featured eminent theatre was awarded under the aegis of Dogri Sanstha, the Kunwar Viyogi Memorial Award practitioners/directors all over the globe. The Theatre workshop for new entrants instituted by Kunwar Viyogi Trust. conducted by Neeraj Kant and coordinated by Mohd. Yaseen culminated with State Award: Eminent Urdu fiction writer, poet, critic, Balraj the presentation of the play 'Dur Se Kisi Ne Aawaaz Di'. Samooh Theatre's cal- Bakshi , was honoured by J&K UT Govt. with State Award for his endar included 18 shows of Nukkad Natak "My Dream City", written and directed contribution to the Urdu. Jatinder Udhampuri was honored by by Ravinder Sharma, and release of Documentary on work and achievements of Gandhi global family for his outstanding contributions in the field the group on its foundation day. It also organized a theatre workshop at Vijaypur of literature and social service. under the guidance of Dr. Sudhir Mahajan and a One-day Theatre Festival at Narendra Bharti, a researcher working in National Transla- Luthra Academy. Rajneesh Kumar Gupta, wrote features for Radio, plays like tion Mission, has been selected for the prestigious Sahapedia- 'Prashno Ke Maayajaal, long solo play ' Buddha Ke Pita' based on the life of the father of Lord Buddha. He was honored by Gandhi Global society with Mahatma UNESCO Research Fellowship 2020 for his project titled Gandhi Seva Puraskar for contribution in the field of Theatre. He wrote/ directed 'Baolies of Udhampur and Naga Worship'. Balraj Bakshi short movies- Mousami Ka Juice & House No. 570 which was selected for Jaipur Films: Internationally acknowledged creative filmmaker of International Film Festival (JIFF ) 2020. Ek Saath Rangmandal, under the guid- the 21st century and pride of Jammu, Amit Dutta continued to ance of Vijay Malla, performed nukkad plays on various make films that are eagerly awaited at the prestigious internation- themes. Aarushi Thakur Rana, renowned theatre person- al screenings. His new film Tape-39 was premiered at Cinema Du ality and culture activist of Jammu & Kashmir was `conferred Reel, Paris. Two films were shown in the exhibition at UC Berke- with 'She Award- 2020 UK Arts and Culture' in the U.K. ley which explored the Intersection of the Folk and the Modern in Natraj Natya Kunj also participated in an online theatre fes- Postcolonial India. A book- 'Modernism by Other Means: The films tival and dis studio performances. Amateur Theatre of Amit Dutta' by Srikanth Srinivasan was published. The Inim- Group, under the direction of Mushtaq Kak staged in itable Image - an Amit Dutta retrospective was held by MUBI (India Kolkatta, the play Ishaq Malangi in Hindustani based on two Amit Dutta and US). In a Special tribute to Amit Dutta, the Ca' Foscari Short stories of Khalid Hussain and dramatized by Pritam Katoch. Film Festival- Venice, Italy, held a special screening of his films. Visual Arts: While Institute of Music & Fine Artscon- His film, 'The Game of Shifting Mirrors' was premiered at Viennale (Vienna Interna- tinues its downward slide under the myopic policies of the Uni- Ravinder Jamwal tional Film festival). versity of Jammu, it was left to individual visual artists to keep The sons of the soil, Rahit Kazami and Tariq Khan, also kept their calendar the art scene alive. Veteran artist Rajinder Tikku remained active in consultative ticking with the shooting of the feature film 'Am I Next'. Tariq Khan acted and pro- As a part of celebration of "Dogri Maanata Din" Dogri Sanstha conferred the assignments and worked in his studio, Sunanda Khajuria, the Painthal born con- duced eight Web series. Sameer Sharma, the talented cinematographer directed Dogri Sanstha Samman-2020, upon six prominent persons from the fields of Lit- temporary visual artist received awards and participated in various exhibitions such the highly acclaimed film 'Nighebaan' on stone-pelting. He is the DoP in Baljit Raina erature, Art and Journalism. These were Gyaneshwar Sharma - a senior Dogri as Visiting Artist Fellowship, Harvard University, USA, The Princess Sirivannavari directed the feature film 'Funtasiyan'. His other works include a film by the police writer, Chaman Arora- a veteran short story writer, Santosh Sangra - a well- Cultivated Arts Foundation, Thailand, Jinan International Art Biennale, Shandong, department on Drugs (white powder) Ujadta Chaman, a Gojri film for international known theatre, radio artist and a senior Dogri writer, Deepak Kumar - a renowned Qianjiang International Art Biennale, Hangzhou, Indian Contemporary Art, Kunste- film festival 'Ya Roodiyan' and bio-pic of Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, directed by Late theatre director, Ashok Sharma - a senior journalist and Ratan Basotra -a writer tagerne Hobro, Denmark, Mask International Art Exhibition, WHO, Lebanon, Inter- Shiv Dutt. and translator. national Art Exhibition, Ningbo Art Museum, Challenge and Opportunity, Interna- Young Talent: Number of Suman Sharma, accomplished writer and translator, contributed by compil- tional forum, School of Art and Design, WHUT, China. Ravinder Jamwal, the well young persons from Jammu ing and translating into English, an anthology of Dogri Short Fiction. Comprising known sculptor, along with sculpting statues of war heroes and other personalities province have made name in the of 40 pieces of fiction by past and present Dogri writers and also a folk-tale, the also created a number of installations in a creative response to the disruptive imprints entertainment industry. Amongst book has been published by J&K Cultural Academy. He also translated from Dogri of the Covid pandemic. His large scale installations titled 'Trap' made mostly from those doing well in serials and TV to English, Ved Rahi's poems. Santosh Sangra penned down an anthology of 15 Shows telecast by the national stories, "Main Hole". Narendra Bhasin authored a short story collection titled waste materials lying in his studio at Birpur while reflecting upon the havoc unleashed Satellite Channels are young actors 'Hirkhay Di Bale'. The Hindi translation of his first travelogue book 'Char Dishan by the deadly virus emphasize upon the human will to fight it so that life can start like Mohit Raina, Saheer Char Dham' by Chanchal Bhasin is awaiting launch. Smitten by the muse, the anew. Well known painters Suman Gupta and K K Gandhi participated in nation- Sheikh from Bhadarwah, Mohit son of the soil Satish Kumar Sharma, presently the Additional Commissioner al and international exhibitions. Udhampur born sculptor Chander Prakash, who Sharma, Dinesh Dogra. Kirti of Income Tax, Jammu, has authored 'Jigisha', an anthology of 11 short stories in is dividing time between his studios at Sangrampur, Jammu, and Baroda, held a pres- Saheer Sheikh & Mohit Dinesh Dogra Singh, daughter of Violin maestro Hindustani and two plays 'Vaibhav' in Hindustani, and 'Pratibha Saadhne di tigious solo show at Hutheesing Visual Art Centre, Ahmedabad. Ganesh Sharma, best Sharma Bahadur Singh bagged honours in Mohtaaz Nahin' in Dogri in verse form. He also completed one short movie name- known for his free form sculptures in wood, participated in a number of national, Poster Painting competition held by DAV University Zoological Society. Varsha ly 'Farookh'. Inderjeet Kesar published a travelogue titled 'Fera Tora' as his 23rd international online art exhibitions, group shows, and sculpture symposiums where Jamwal , the young singing sensation also made her mark in national-level TV tal- book in 23 years (1998 to 2020). Ratan Basotra did a Hindi translation titled his works won accolades. Rohit Verma participated in an International group art ent show. 'Alag Alag Sach' of Shiv Dev Singh Susheel's original Dogri novel 'Bakhre Bakhre exhibition to commemorate Centennial Celebration by Lucknow University, wherein Duggar Siblings: Ruhi Sach'. Yash Pal Nirmal, the energetic young writer had a robust year in terms of 100 artists across the world participated. A national awardee, Sukhjeet Singh, was Singh and Juhi Singh, the writing and translating a number of new books and of earning accolades and awards appointed as a member of the Selection Jury for National Art Exhibition organized by son, and daughter duo of vet- from various literary bodies. Veteran Dogri poet, essayist, and satirist Prakash Lalit Kala Akademi (LKA), New Delhi. Milan Sharma and Jasleen Singh, partic- eran vocalist Suraj Singh Premi remained busy in translating books from Sanskrit to Dogri and Dogri to ipated in the National Art Exhibition organized by LKA, New Delhi. Hindi, along with translation of award-winning book 'Bedan Darti Di'. Jagdip won hearts of a large number AIR Jammu: The public broadcaster played a pivotal role in disseminating of viewers for their creative Dubey, also wrote Radio and stage plays and short stories. With Darshan Darshi as convener Dogri, the Sahitya Akademi organized information to the masses especially those in the far-flung areas about the COVID- song videos posted on their women poets program Nari Chetna, at Samba. In the post-Covid phase, more than 19 at times of Lockdown. It organized a lecture by renowned poet, writer, and sci- YouTube Ruhi Juhi Channel. 16 programs were held under the Webline Literature series in which more than 50 entist O. P. Sharma Vidyarthi on the topic "Dogra Sanskriti Aur Jaiv Vividhata", Their songs like 'Kadon Jaana writers participated. The programs such as poetry sessions, story readings, penal tu Coroneya', were instant before invited audience. AIR switched over to online "Artist Booking System/Tal- discussions, and special events for Women empowerment and women writers like ent Booking System" this year to help ease and streamline the artists' bookings. hits and garnered thousands Aasmita and Nari Chetna. Due to online mode the programs for the first time Under a nationwide initiative to promote and preserve the rich Indian culture, AIR of views. reached to audiences all over the country and also reached Dogras living abroad. Heritage Warriors: The absence of departments of archeology, folk studies, NGOs like Duggar Manch organized e-goshti's and online meets for poets and Jammu recorded Sanskar Lok Geet (from birth to Death) of Duggar region. The ethnography in various state universities, has resulted in total lack of local technical writers. Nami Dogri Sanstha also organized monthly literary meets and e-pro- Sanskar Lokgeet from various Districts identified and recorded at the doorsteps resource persons to take care of documentation and preservation of heritage. Coupled grams such as Lok Sangeet Sabahas, Mahila Kavi and Kahani Goshties, Dogri Kavi have been documented, videographed with notations have been preserved at the with cash strapped inactive state department of Archaeology and Museums, the onus Goshties, Dogri Kavi Goshti in Collaboration with NZCC. The Udhampur based lit- Central Archive of All India Radio under its prestigious Mega Project. to safeguard heritage and drawing the attention of the authorities has befallen upon erary group with Facebook page Meri Mitra Mandli: Ek Sahityak Kranti, is work- INTACH: Jammu Chapter of INTACH, under its Convenor, Sarishti Mohan diehard culture enthusiasts; the heritage war- ing towards development of mother tongue and literature in the Udhampur area. riors. Anil Pabha , is one such heritage war- It published three anthologies: Lalten-2-Dogri Bal Kavita, Lalten-3-Dogri Gazals Sahani, organized Handloom craft workshop at Govt. High School, Bajalta, Straw- rior. An amateur explorer and art collector, and Lalten-4-Hindi Kavita and organized 'Bholiyan Shaklan Mitthe Bol', the online craft workshop at Govt. High School, Raipur Satwari, Interactive meet on handloom from Udhampur, he has single-handedly poem recitation competition for under-14 children, and a 10-day online literary craft at Udyog Bhawan Jammu and Online Heritage awareness lessons for school chil- established Amar Santosh Museum at Udham- workshop. dren on Built Heritage of Jammu, Forts of Jammu, Water Bodies of Jammu, Well- pur. Anil Pabha has played a pivotal role in urg- HINDI: Founder of Sanskriti Manch, the firebrand poet, Manoj, published his ness Tourism, World Environment day, World Heritage Day, World Museum day, ing the Govt. to preserve holy river Devika and fifth anthology of translations of selected Punjabi poems in Hindi titled Meel Pather. Ethnic foods of Jammu, Heritage temples of Jammu District, Traditional Vaishno freshw ater springs of Udhampur. Another her- The NGO Hindi Sahitya Mandal (HSM), Jammu held its regular meetings and literary events and later shifted book release, award-giving ceremony, poetry recita- Devi route. It also organized Heritage drives to Wetland Gharana as a part of World Anil Pabha Kirpal Singh itage warrior is Kirpal Singh, the force behind the NGO Heritage Society. He conducts tion, and conferences on digital platforms. Sumeet Sudan, a Sunderbani (J&K) Heritage Week celebrations. It held interactive meet at Panchbakhtawar Mahadev Heritage Walks within the Mubarak Mandi Complex. His NGO organizes webinars to based Hindi poetess was honored by HSM with Second Hindi Sahitya Mandal Heer- temple Jammu, coverage of Karvachouth traditions at Udhampur and Samba Dis- spread Heritage awareness. Lalit Gupta's book titled 'Intangible Heritage of Jam- ak Jayanti Navlekhan Tej Puraskar for her poetry book 'Sangam'. Eminent Hindi tricts, the listing of Military Heritage of Jammu Cant and Water Bodies of Jammu mu', first of its kind in English, a J&K Academy publication was a writer and poet Agnishekhar translated in Hindi series of post-Independence District, survey of Clay Crafts and Heritage Temples of Jammu. late arrival but was seen as making a brisk sale. Tree Talk: The unique initiative of weekly Tree Talks started Amazing Jammu: The unique initiative of Amazing Jammu by Om Vidyarthi has completed ten years. Tree Talk campaign group started by young journalist Harry Walia has brought from 19th Dec 2010 to 19th Dec 2020 has organized over 1054 ses- together the tourism stakeholders, artists, writers, bloggers, adven- sions. Many Biodiversity experts from Indian Institute of Integra- ture enthusiasts, policy planners, journalists, illustrators, archae- tive Medicine, SKUAST Jammu/Kashmir, State Universities Jam- ologists, historians, heritage experts, mountaineers, advertisers, mu/Kashmir, Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, corporates from all over the Jammu region. Providing a platform Wildlife, shared valuable inputs from time to time during 10-year for a serious discussion on tourism, art, culture, crafts, and identi- Gyaneshwar Chaman Santosh Deepak Ashok Ratan long journey. Om Vidyarathi has won appreciation for uninterrupt- ty of Jammu, Amazing Jammu Group has organized webinars on Harry Walia Sharma Arora Sangra Kumar Sharma Basotra ed zeal to spread Biodiversity education across J&K. Om Vidyarthi