Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 2 Nov: Doon Library and Research Centre organised a literary programme today to mark the release of ‘Chhand Makarand Mere Geet’, a poetry collection by poet Anita Soni. The book release was accompanied by an engaging literary discussion in the Centre’s auditorium, where speakers shared their views on the poems, metrical composition, emotional sensibility and the continuing relevance of the Hindi geet tradition.
At the outset, Chandrashekhar Tewari, Programme Officer, Doon Library and Research Centre, welcomed the distinguished guests, litterateurs and participants. He observed that a library is not merely a place for the collection of books and academic study, but also a vibrant centre for the exchange of ideas, literary interaction and the enrichment of cultural consciousness. Such book-release events help establish an intimate connection between writers and readers while providing an opportunity to bring diverse literary forms before society.
The Chief Guest, Pushpa Manas, sharing her observations on the collection, remarked that Anita Soni’s compositions reflect emotional sweetness and the rhythmic beauty of poetic metre. Referring to the poem ‘Mridula’, she described it as an expression of the delicate emotions of love. The poem ‘Garhveer’, depicting the patriotism, valour and resolute character of a Garhwali soldier, was particularly noteworthy. She also recalled Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s ‘Rashmirathi’ while discussing the poem ‘Tejas’, based on Karna. She appreciated the composition relating to the courage and sacrifice of Madho Singh Bhandari, describing it as an effort to awaken historical consciousness. According to her, such songs dedicated to the great heroes of Uttarakhand strengthen our cultural memory.
Presiding over the programme, Dr Aseem Shukla observed that the collection, through its adherence to metrical composition and particularly the lyrical form, represents an important effort towards reaffirming the literary significance of geet. He expressed confidence that the work would earn a notable place in the discourse on lyrical poetry and once again highlight the literary dignity and contemporary relevance of traditional poetic metres.
Dr Bihari Lal Danosi, while sharing his thoughts on four poems written by his daughter Anita Soni, remarked that these compositions clearly reflect the distinctive aura of her creativity and sustained literary practice.
Dolly Dabral observed that Anita Soni’s unwavering faith and dedication towards literature are evident in her songs. The direct and indirect role of women in both traditional and contemporary society, the underlying flow of emotions, and the harmony between reflection and experience lend vitality to her compositions. The use of diverse poetic metres also makes the collection aesthetically appealing and effective.
Beena Bainjwal congratulated the poet and expressed hope that the sweetness of her literary expression and the disciplined rhythm of her metrical compositions would infuse fresh energy into the tradition of Hindi lyrical poetry.
Dr Ram Vinay Singh remarked that geet and chhand bring together the tenderness of human emotions, the sweetness of expression and the beauty of language. He described the collection as a commendable contribution towards enriching the Hindi lyrical tradition.
The programme was conducted by Dr Kshama Kaushik. Along with discussions on the creative features of the collection, the speakers also highlighted the continuing relevance of songs and traditional poetic metres in contemporary literature.
Among those present were the Librarian, D.K. Pandey, Sundar Singh Bisht, Jagdish Singh Mehar, along with other writers, litterateurs, intellectuals, readers and literature enthusiasts.
