Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 8 Jun: Doon Library and Research Centre today organised a special discussion on two significant books by noted litterateur and researcher Dr Surendra Dutt Semalty — Traditional Children’s Literature and Traditional Children’s Recreation and Games of Uttarakhand. The programme witnessed the participation of a large number of writers, academicians, researchers and culture enthusiasts, who described these books as an important contribution towards preserving Uttarakhand’s rich folk-cultural heritage.
On the occasion, child psychologist Ambrish Bisht observed that, in the traditional society of Uttarakhand, children’s lives were deeply connected with nature, folk culture, family and community life. Entertainment was not dependent on mobile phones, television or digital media; rather, it revolved around folk songs, folk tales, lullabies, riddles, fairs, festivals and a variety of traditional games. These activities not only provided enjoyment but also played a vital role in shaping children’s personalities, social values, leadership qualities, cooperative spirit and creative thinking.
Senior litterateur Mahabir Rawalta stated that, through extensive research, field visits and interaction with local communities, Dr Semalty has documented traditional games, folk songs and children’s literary traditions that are gradually disappearing. He noted that these books serve as valuable records of Uttarakhand’s collective memory, cultural identity and social life.
Prof Alka Mohan Sharma emphasised that, in the present digital age, when children are increasingly drifting away from their roots and local cultural environments, the relevance of such books has grown significantly.
Prof Guddi Bisht remarked that children’s literature is an effective medium for the intellectual, emotional and moral development of young minds. Literature based on local languages, dialects and folk traditions helps children connect with their culture and social surroundings. She highlighted that the book presents a rich collection of lullabies, children’s songs, folk tales, riddles, value-based literature, and literary forms related to nature and festivals.
The speakers further noted that Traditional Children’s Recreation and Games of Uttarakhand documents games that contribute to the physical and mental development of children without requiring expensive resources. Based on locally available materials and community participation, these games foster teamwork, decision-making abilities, discipline and creativity.
The assembled scholars, writers and distinguished participants appreciated Dr Semalty’s painstaking and visionary efforts, stating that both books would serve as valuable sources of knowledge, inspiration and cultural awareness for future generations. They also stressed the need to make these books available in schools, libraries and educational institutions.
Both books have been published by Samay Sakshya, Dehradun.
The programme was organised by Doon Library and Research Centre and was attended by writers, researchers, literary figures and members of the public. The event concluded with a collective resolve to preserve and promote the folk-cultural traditions of Uttarakhand.
Among those present were Ranu Bisht, Ramakant Benjwal, Om Prakash Semwal, Kanta Ghildiyal, Beena Benjwal, Chandrashekhar Tiwari, Praveen Bhatt, Devendra Kandpal, Kalyan Butola, Dr DK Pandey, Dr Lalta Prasad, Dr Inderjit Singh, SP Semalty, Alok Sareen, Satyanand Badoni, Jagdish Singh Mahar, Abhishek Maindola, Harichand Nimesh, and several other writers, litterateurs and literature enthusiasts.
