Jammu: Late Prem Nath Pardesi’s book of short-stories ‘Behte Chirag’ in a rechristened version – this time in Devanagri script – was unveiled Monday.
The book was released at a simple but impressive function organised by Funkar Cultural Organisation at K L Sehgal Hall here.
A galaxy of writers and poets attended the function. Those present on the occasion included Prof Manoj Dhar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; known writer and broadcaster Farooq Nazki; G R Hasrat Gadda, president Funkar Cultural Organisation; a renowned poet and writer, Prof R L Talashi; Ramesh Hangloo, Director Radio Sharda, Brij Betab, writer and poet Piaray Hatash.
The book contains short-stories written on varied topics by the author. Originally written in Urdu language and script and published in 1955, the new version of the book, now in Hindi transcript, has been put together by Piaray Hatash, with foreward by Noor Shsh and Pran Kishore. Pertinently, the foreword of the original book was penned down by G M Sadiq.
On the occasion, the speakers highlighted the life and literary works of Prem Nath Pardesi and paid rich tributes to him.
Brij Betab and Piaray Hatash read detailed papers on the book by highly acclaimed the author. They said Pardesi’s writings are heart-touching.
It may be recalled that Prem Nath Pardesi was father of Padmashri Late Som Nath Sadhu, former Director Radio Kashmir, who had been a household name in Kashmir as Aagh Sab of feature programme ‘Zoneh Dab’ of yesteryears.
The speakers including Prof Manoj Dhar, Farooq Nazki, Prof R L Talashi and Ramesh Hangloo said Pardesi was a thinker ahead of his time. They termed the translation of the book in Hindi a very good effort so that new generation can read it.
They also praised the efforts of Rajiv Sadhu, the grandson of the late writer for getting the book prepared in Hindi script so that it could reach a larger readership.
