By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 19 Sep: Famous litterateur Jiten Thakur spoke at the launch ceremony of Captain Raghuveer Singh Chauhan’s story collection, “Bandhi Hui Aas”, on Tuesday at Drona Hotel, here.
Jiten Thakur said that the greatest strength of a writer lies in the fact that his writing connects with the readers. He said that literature can be classified into three categories: one is literature of concern, which raises questions by keeping its finger on the pulse of time and society, like Kabir. The second establishes a world of happiness as it reduces depression, frustration, sadness and pain. Third, entertaining literature, which, being popular, creates interest in reading among people. All three literatures have their importance.
He said that Captain Chauhan has written the stories in a very poignant manner and has made a beautiful selection of subjects. Chauhan should also write a soldier’s diary based on his experiences, he suggested.
Renowned environmental activist Padma Shri awardee Kalyan Singh Rawat said that literature is about time and society, and it is important to write. Today’s generation of Uttarakhand is unaware of Bugyals. One cannot have expectations from the people of Kerala on preserving Bugyals. Many such things should be written in literature. Generations know time through literary works.
Litterateur Shoorveer Rawat said that this is Captain Chauhan’s first story collection. Earlier, he had published a book of memoirs on various aspects of life, ‘Jeevan Path Se’. There are a total of thirteen stories in this story collection. Born in a farming family in the remote Chamoli district of Garhwal, the stories of Captain Chauhan show the difficulties of life in the mountains. Even though the stories do not impress much in terms of language, style and craft, like Premchand’s stories, special attention has been paid to the selection of characters and the plot.
The Captain is a resident of the village Mona, Patti Talla Dasholi, Chamoli Garhwal. He was in the army for 32 years. His story collection “Bandhi Hui Aas” has been published by Winsar Publication, Dehradun.
On this occasion, writer Captain Chauhan, environmental activist Chandan Singh Negi, senior journalist Arjun Singh Bisht, Sheeshpal Gusain, Chandra Swami, RP Nautiyal, many litterateurs and journalists were present.
