Another book of literature celebrating hope and wait got added to the repertoire of Hindi-Urdu Literature with the unveiling of an anthology of Urdu poetry in Devanagri script, “Muntazir”.
Written by noted poet Jatin Salwan, ‘Muntazir’ is dedicated to ‘intezaar’. General V.P. Malik , PVSM, AVSM and Former Chief of Army, Dr. K.K. Rattu, Former Senior officer of Indian Broadcasting Services and former Director of Media Studies DAV University, Jalandhar, JNU Jaipur and RBU Mohali, Balkar Sidhu, President, Punjabi Lekhak Sabha and Film Folk Dancer and Theatre artist, Publisher Hardeep Chandpuri and many celebrated personalities shared the dais to unveil ‘Muntazir’ formally released this anthology, at a function organized at Punjab Kala Bhawan here today.
Speaking on the occasion General V.P. Malik said that just like his earlier book, ‘Phoori’ ,Jatin’s words create an extraordinary imagery casting a mesmerizing glow on the tapestry of human experience. Each word is a brushstroke, delicately painting the canvas of sentiments with hues of intensity and vulnerability, which is a refreshing plunge into the reservoir of emotions, and an intimate journey which is both personal and universal, which would resonate with every reader he added.
Another celebrated Hindi writer and author of over 75 books, Dr. K.K. Rattu, who travelled from Jaipur, remarked that in the evolving modern day society, Jatin’s verses are refreshing perspectives that go beyond the unspoken, unveiling the fragility, helplessness and yet a powerful note of expectancy that coexists within human spirit.
Later, in conversation with Amulya Shukla, Motivational speaker, Founder and host of Kavyanjali , the author Jatin Salwan said that this anthology is a collection of poems written over past over 25 years that have been put together celebrating the human spirit that despite the ups and downs of life, continues to shine amidst hope.
He added that in the grand theater of life, each heartbeat is a cue, and we're all in the front row, waiting for the next scene. From birth to death, we are all waiting in hope of something to bloom in our life. He added that if we spend our whole life waiting for the storm, we will never enjoy the sunshine. Prof Archana R Singh, School of Communication Studies PU recited well-loved poems from the book in her own style.
Earlier, while welcoming the guests, Balkar Sidhu, appreciated the language of expression and the justice done to the flow of thoughts by Jatin. It portrayed the sensitivity of the poet in playing with the words that will definitely create connection with the mind and emotions of the reader, he added.
The programme began with an elegant cinematic biopic on footprints of Jatin Salwan’s journey in his own voice, which has been written, produced and directed by National ‘Rajat Kamal’ awardee Ojaswwee Sharma.
Jatin Salwan is a High Court lawyer but a sensitive human being and a poet, who not only writes, paints, sketches, but is an avid environmentalist whose favourite gift to anyone is a plant, and is credited with planting thousands of trees on many barren patches in the city. His first book of Punjabi poetry, ‘Phoori’ was published in 2022 with a foreword from Surjit Patar, that received rave reviews.
The crew of the biopic including Ojaswwee Sharma, Music Director Navjot Siaan, head of post-production Bhasker Pandey, cinematographer Sandeep Kumar, and child artist Sanvi Sharma were also felicitated on the occasion.
Prominent among those present included, Ranjana Malik ,Sunaini Sharma Guleria, educationists, literary lovers from tricity, members of Punjab Kala Parishad, Punjabi Lekhak Sabha, Chandigarh Sahitya Academy, Novel bunch, Chandigarh Literary Society ,friends and family. The event was compered by Sarvpriya Nirmohi, a well-known Broadcaster with a beautiful voice. Bhoopinder Malik, Secretary, Punjabi Lekhak Sabha expressed gratitude to all present.