Special discussion and poetry symposium organized on the birth anniversary of noted Ghazal writer
By SHRI RAM SHAW
New Delhi: To celebrate the birth anniversary of famous Ghazal writer Dushyant Kumar, popularly known as “rebel poet” in the literary world, Yamuna Yuvak Kendra in collaboration with Hindi Academy organized a special discussion and poetry symposium at Press Club of India, Delhi. The programme was a momentous occasion for Hindi literature lovers to pay a befitting tribute to Dushyant Kumar by remembering his valuable contributions.
The presence of eminent poets and litterateurs made this special event even more vibrant. Shri Ram Shyam Haseen, Shivkumar Bilgrami, Bharat Bhushan Arya, Dr. Omkar Tripathi, Alok Shrivastava ‘Aviral’ enthralled the august gathering with their soulful recitations. The programme was presided over by general secretary of Yamuna Yuvak Kendra, Vijay Shankar Chaturvedi. Padma Shri awardee and well-known educationist JS Rajput was the chief guest; and Hindi Academy’s deputy secretary Rishi Kumar Sharma was present as the special guest.
Distinguished personalities and experts shared their views on Dushyant Kumar’s literary heritage, the relevance of his writings and his impact on society. Neena Shahar, Saurabh Shekhar, Neelam Arora, Sapna Ahsaas, Vandana Kunwar, Alka Mishra, Darshini Priya, Satyam Bhaskar regaled the audience with their renditions.
In his presidential address, Vijay Shankar Chaturvedi said, “Dushyant Kumar’s works are as relevant and inspiring today as they were in his time. The purpose of this programme is to remember the literary contribution of Dushyant Kumar and to spread sensitivity and awareness in the society through his ghazals and poems. This programme reflects our commitment towards Hindi literature and is a unique effort to introduce the young generation to this priceless treasure of literature.”
Padma Shri JS Rajput said, “The efforts of Hindi Academy, Delhi and Yamuna Yuvak Kendra are very commendable. Such programmes are basically an important way to preserve our literary heritage and awaken literary consciousness among the youth.”
Renowned poet Shivkumar Bilgrami said, “Dushyant Kumar was a poet of public awakening. He used new images and symbols of Hindi poetry in ghazals and breathed new life into the spirit of ghazals. The collective effort of Hindi Academy and Yamuna Yuvak Kendra to keep the literary legacy of Dushyant Kumar alive is definitely an unforgettable occasion for literature lovers. This event shows that his legacy in Hindi literature is as relevant and inspiring today as it was during his lifetime.”
Alok ‘Aviral’ was at his artistic best when he recited one of his poems seemingly had the imprints of Dushyant Kumar. Here it is…
भीड़ को जब शोहदों की फ़ब्तियाँ अच्छी लगीं,
अपने लहजे में मुझे फिर तल्खियाँ अच्छी लगीं…
हर तरफ़ माहौल मौसम के मुख़ालिफ़ चल पड़ा,
थी हवाएँ गर्म पर वो गरमियाँ अच्छी लगीं…
लोग सड़कों पर उतर कर माँगते इंसाफ़ थे,
हाथ उनके चीख़ती सब तख़्तियाँ अच्छी लगीं…
ये ख़बर पढ़ कर कि कोई भूख से कल मर गया,
आज तो तस्वीर में भी रोटियाँ अच्छी लगीं…
Sharing some valuable insights about the importance of his father’s works, Alok Tyagi told this journalist (Shri Ram Shaw) over phone from Mumbai, “When Prime Minister Narendra Modi quoted this couplet of Dushyant ji in the Parliament – “Tumhare paanv ke neeche koi zameen nahi/ Kamaal yeh hai ki phir bhi tumhe yakeen nahi” (There is no ground beneath your feet, the amazing thing is that still you don’t believe.), I received many calls. It is not that Modi ji has quoted him for the first time or Dushyant ji’s couplets have echoed in the Parliament or Vidhan Sabha for the first time. This trend has been going on since 1975. The couplets and poems that were recited to convey the pain, hopes, aspirations and dreams of the common man to those in power, to strongly advocate for a change in their miserable conditions, are the same even today. But the people in power have certainly kept changing. Rahul Gandhi also quoted Dushyant ji – “Bhookh hai toh sabr kar, roti nahi toh kya hua/ Aaj kal Delhi me hai, zere bahas yeh mudda.” (If you are hungry, have patience, what if you don’t have bread. Nowadays, this issue is under debate in Delhi.)
Alok Tyagi further said, “BJP’s Ravi Shankar Prasad, understanding the sarcasm, said that Dushyant ji had said this she’r for the era of your grandmother, i.e. Indira Gandhi ji, so the implication is that political parties are using Dushyant ji’s creations. During the entire movement from which Aam Aadmi Party was born, Dushyant ji’s ghazals kept resonating in the entire environment and kept inspiring the youth.”
He added, “As far as Prime Minister Modi ji’s quote from Dushyant ji is concerned, he once took a dig at the opposition and said in Parliament – “Unki appeal hai ki unhe hum madad karen/ Chakoo ki paslyion se guzarish toh dekhiye.” (His appeal is that we should help him, just look at the request from the ribs of the knife.) Some time ago, in an election rally in Uttar Pradesh, he had said – “Yahan tak aate aate sookh jati hain kaee nadiyan/ Mujhe maloom hai paani kahan thahra hua hoga.” (Many rivers dry up by the time they reach here, I know where the water must be stagnant.)
Alok Tyagi expressed hope, “It feels good when the Prime Minister of the country quotes these couplets. This not only shows his literary understanding and sensitivity, it also raises the hope that the change that Dushyant ji wished for will definitely happen now.”
“Dushyant Kumar drifted the ghazal from Gham-e-Jaanan to Gham-e-Dauraan i.e. the problems of the common people of that time. He changed the tone of the ghazal. He brought the images and symbols used in new poetry into the ghazal. The ghazal which was sung by artists in mehfils in a melodious voice, that ghazal started crackling on the streets and roads from the mouth of common people. Ghazal became the most vocal means of public awareness and public revolution. The literary magazines of that time – Dharmyug, Sarika, Kalpana, Saptahik Hindustan and Dinman were incomplete without Dushyant’s ghazals. During the movement against Indira Gandhi in 1977, the resonance of Dushyant Kumar’s ghazals was clearly heard. Thus, Dushyant Kumar succeeded in his objective,” Shivkumar Bilgrami concluded.