By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 19 Dec: The book, ‘Himalayan Symphony’, an English translation of the songs and poems of renowned folk singer Narendra Singh Negi, was launched at a function organised by the Doon Library and Research Centre in its auditorium. The English translation of the book has been done by Dr Deepak Bijalwan.
Participating in the discussion, Prof DR Purohit, Prof Jayawanti Dimri, Prof Arun Pant, Dr Nand Kishore Hatwal, and Devesh Joshi expressed their views on the book. It is worth noting that this is the second book of Narendra Singh Negi’s songs translated into English. Earlier, Dr Deepak Bijalwan had translated Negi’s songs into English under the title, ‘A Stream of Himalayan Melody’.
On the occasion, Prof DR Purohit said that Narendra Singh Negi is a true representative of the folk and mind of Garhwal. His compositions depict every aspect of the life of the people of Garhwal. He said that Negi’s songs related to love, nature, movement, and the pain that affects all sections of society.
Prof Jayawanti Dimri described the translation of Negi’s songs as a window to bring Himalayan literature on the world stage. She said that now Garhwali songs can be read by readers all over the world.
Prof Arun Pant appreciated Dr Deepak Bijalwan’s translation and said that it has opened up ways for the world to understand the folk mind of Garhwal. He expressed hope that more efforts would be made in this direction.
Dr Nand Kishore Hatwal said that Narendra Singh Negi has tried to touch every aspect of life in his songs, and similarly, the translator has also taken songs related to every field from Negi’s compositions.
Devesh Joshi, who has been writing on Negi’s songs, said that Negi’s songs are a mirror of Garhwal society. He said that these songs express the pain of the displaced people of Tehri as well as the sorrow of a married woman crying in memory of her husband who has gone abroad.
Narendra Singh Negi and translator Dr Deepak Bijalwan also shared their views on the book during the programme.
The programme was conducted by theatre personality Dr VK Dobhal. At the beginning, Chandrashekhar Tiwari, Programme Associate of the Centre, welcomed the guest speakers and the audience.
On this occasion, Praveen Bhatt of Samay Sakshi Prakashan presented mementos to the guest speakers.
Dr Atul Sharma, Gajendra Nautiyal, Vinod Saklani, Prof Uma Bhatt, Maya Chilwal, Hem Pant, Dayal Pasande, Ranu Bisht, Biju Negi, Sunder Bisht, Surendra Sajwan, Harichand Nimesh, Lakshman Negi, Ramakant Benjwal, Sudip Jugran, Sonia Gairola, Kalpana Bahuguna, Kanta Dangwal, Navin Upadhyay, Devendra Kandpal, Beena Benjwal, Himanshu Ahuja, and several educationists, litterateurs, writers, and many young readers of the library were present.
