JAMMU, MARCH 22: Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JKAACL) organized a book release event for ‘Basant Geet Tawi Da,’ written by O.P. Sharma Vidhyarthi here at K. L. Saigal Hall Jammu. The book was released by the chief guest, Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, in the presence of S.P. Vaid, Former DGP J&K; Chander Mohan Sharma; and Dr. Mrinalini Atray, Secretary General ICICH. The event coincided with World Water Day.
While addressing a distinguished gathering of writers, forest officers, and poets, the chief guest, Ramesh Kumar appreciated the literary work, which highlights ecological concerns related to the Tawi River. He emphasized the need for responsible consumption and production in line with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to enhance environmental quality.
In his presidential address, Former DGP Dr. Shesh Paul Vaid quoted several verses from the poetry book authored by Tree Talk campaigner and Retired PCCF, O.P. Sharma Vidhyarthi. He stressed the importance of translating literary thoughts into action-oriented programs, including afforestation initiatives using native decorative plants along both banks of the sacred Suryaputri Tawi River, which is increasingly facing pollution and requires urgent conservation efforts.
The author-poet of the book recited Dogri and Hindi poems on various themes, including native grasses, the sacred Mansar and Surinsar lakes, plastic waste accumulation, and the beauty of flowering forest trees in spring and summer.
Dr. Mrinalini Atray, a faculty member at the Law School, University of Jammu, traced the journey of Tawi poetry as part of the Virasat NGO initiative, which worked both on the ground and through online heritage site documentation during the COVID-19 crisis in Jammu.
Dr. Ashok Khajuria presented a deeply studied paper on the book, analyzing its literary, cultural, and ecological significance. He provided insights into the poetic expressions and themes explored in both languages, Hindi and Dogri, as the book is bilingual. His presentation highlighted the environmental concerns addressed in the poetry and emphasized the importance of preserving linguistic and ecological heritage through literary works.
Chander Mohan Sharma commended the poetic expression of O.P. Sharma Vidhyarthi, while Prof. Veena Gupta highlighted the contribution of Dogri literature focusing on environmental themes authored by Vidhyarthi.
At the beginning of the event, Dr. Javaid Rahi, Divisional Head, JKAACL Jammu, welcomed the guests on behalf of Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kour. He introduced ‘Basant Geet Tawi Da’ as a collection of 70 Dogri and 70 Hindi poems conveying messages on glacial retreat, deforestation, declining regeneration, soil erosion, traditional rituals, faith, and plastic pollution.
In keeping with the International Day of Forests theme—’Forests & Food’—the event also featured the offering of herbal teas, sorrel snacks, and sweet basil beverages to dignitaries and participants to promote the revival and popularization of ethnic foods and beverages.
The event proceedings were conducted by Madam Rita Khadiyal, Assistant Editor, Dogri, JKAACL.
Prominent attendees included Additional Secretary Sanjeev Raina, Padma Shri Mohan Singh, Shruti Awasthi (Director IGNCA), Arun Kumar Tikku, IFS; Principal Hansraj; Captain Lalit Kumar Sharma, IFS; Dr.Kamini Dutta; Dr. Nirmal Vinod; Pooja Suri; Dr. Bharat Bhushan; Dr. Lalit Gupta; Javaid Rahi; Promila Manhas; Ashok Vashisth; Harish Kaila; Dr. Padam Dev Singh, and others.
