A cultural milestone – Daily Excelsior


Sanjay Pandita
Name of Book: Sountuk Partav
Author : Ganga Dhar Dehati
Ganga Dhar Dehati’s Sontuk Partav is a towering achievement in Kashmiri and Urdu literature, a poetic odyssey that traverses the landscapes of emotions, identity, sociopolitical critique, and cultural introspection. This meticulously crafted collection of 186 pages is divided into two segments: an anthology of Kashmiri poetry and a compilation of Urdu verses. Together, these sections encapsulate Dehati’s profound mastery over language and his unwavering commitment to justice, equality, and the artistic celebration of life’s struggles and joys.
Dehati is not merely a poet; he is a visionary, a revolutionary, and a chronicler of human experiences. His verses transcend the boundaries of language, geography, and time, speaking to the universal human condition while remaining deeply rooted in the ethos of his homeland. Sontuk Partav is a testament to his ability to navigate the delicate interplay between the personal and the political, the aesthetic and the intellectual, making it a literary masterpiece worthy of timeless acclaim.In Sontuk Partav, Dehati’s dual mastery of Kashmiri and Urdu allows him to bridge cultural divides, crafting poetry that is both intensely local and universally relevant.
The first part of Sontuk Partav is an exquisite anthology of Kashmiri poetry that captures the soul of the valley. Dehati’s Kashmiri verses are a symphony of nature, culture, and history, infused with the ethos of a region that has witnessed both unparalleled beauty and profound suffering. Through his poetry, Dehati becomes a custodian of Kashmir’s collective memory, weaving tales of its rivers, mountains, and resilient people.
In one particularly poignant poem, Dehati writes:
“The mountains stand as silent witnesses,
The rivers sing the songs of our pain.”
These lines are emblematic of Dehati’s ability to imbue natural imagery with deep emotional and historical significance. The mountains and rivers of Kashmir are not mere backdrops but active participants in the region’s narrative, carrying the weight of its joys and sorrows.
Dehati’s Kashmiri poetry also serves as a critique of sociopolitical injustices. His verses lament the exploitation of the land and its people, yet they are suffused with hope and a call to action. For instance:
“Rise, O sons and daughters of the valley,
Break the chains that bind your destiny.”
Here, Dehati’s words resonate as a rallying cry for collective empowerment, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of unity and resistance.
In the second part of Sontuk Partav, Dehati turns to Urdu, extending his poetic reach to encompass universal themes of love, loss, justice, and freedom. His Urdu poetry is marked by its lyrical beauty, intellectual depth, and emotional resonance. Whether exploring the nuances of human relationships or addressing global issues, Dehati’s verses are both thought-provoking and deeply moving.
In his remarkable and singular literary style, he has wielded his pen as a maestro wields a symphony, creating a body of work that resonates across the vast spectrum of human experience. Each word, meticulously chosen and imbued with profound meaning, becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of life, painting vibrant and evocative portraits of the human condition. His oeuvre is a testament to the boundless versatility of his craft, encompassing a kaleidoscope of themes that transcend the ordinary and touch the sublime.
He has explored the delicate intricacies of human emotions, unraveling the profound mysteries of joy, sorrow, love, and resilience. Through his words, the trials and triumphs of life take on a poetic cadence, breathing vitality into his verses. Nature, in all its glory, finds a passionate advocate in his writing, where every rustling leaf, every whispering breeze, and every golden sunrise is celebrated as a manifestation of divine beauty.
Equally poignant is his empathy for the marginalized and downtrodden, whose struggles and dreams are immortalized in his compassionate lines. His verses invoke a stirring patriotism, evoking the soul of the nation and calling forth its collective spirit. He ventures into the annals of history, breathing life into ancient figures and their enduring legacies, while also penning heartfelt obituaries to luminaries who have shaped the political and cultural landscape.
His pen does not shy away from the profound questions of existence; rather, it delves deep into the spiritual and emotional realms, offering solace and reflection. When faced with personal adversities, he turns to the Supreme in verses of lamentation and devotion, crafting prayers that are as deeply personal as they are universally relatable. Through these heartfelt expressions, he illuminates the fragility and resilience of the human spirit.
With an unerring ability to weave pathos, positivity, and devotion into his works, he captures the essence of life’s dualities-the joy and sorrow, the hope and despair, the triumph and lamentation. His writing, steeped in sensitivity and enriched by an unparalleled depth of understanding, serves as a mirror to the human soul, reflecting its beauty and complexity.
Indeed, his poetry is not merely an artistic endeavor; it is a profound journey into the depths of existence, an exploration of the sacred and the secular, and a celebration of the timeless truths that unite us all. His literary legacy stands as a beacon, guiding readers toward a deeper appreciation of life’s intricate tapestry and the infinite grace that permeates it.
At the heart of Sontuk Partav lies Ganga Dhar Dehati’s revolutionary spirit. His poetry is not content with passive observation; it seeks to challenge, disrupt, and transform. Dehati’s verses critique systemic oppression, colonial exploitation, and societal inequalities, urging readers to imagine and strive for a more just and equitable world.
Dehati’s revolutionary ethos is particularly evident in his Urdu poetry, where he often addresses themes of political resistance and social justice. His verses are imbued with a sense of urgency, a call to action for those marginalized by oppressive systems. For example:
“Burn the chains of silence,
Let the flames light the path to freedom.”
Sontuk Partav is not just a collection of poetry; it is a cultural milestone. It captures the essence of a time and place, preserving the voices, struggles, and aspirations of a community. Dehati’s Kashmiri poetry, in particular, serves as a testament to the resilience of Kashmiri culture and its ability to endure and adapt in the face of adversity.
At the same time, the book’s Urdu section places Dehati in conversation with some of the greatest poets of his era, connecting Kashmir to a broader literary and cultural tradition. This duality-of being deeply rooted in local identity while engaging with universal themes-is one of the book’s most remarkable achievements.
Sontuk Partav is more than a literary work; it is a source of inspiration for generations to come. Dehati’s poetry encourages readers to confront their own realities, question injustices, and envision a world founded on equality and compassion. His verses are a reminder of the enduring power of art to heal, transform, and unite.
As a revolutionary poet, Dehati challenges us to think critically and act boldly. As a poet of humanity, he reminds us of our shared struggles and common hopes. And as a master of his craft, he leaves us with a body of work that is as beautiful as it is meaningful.
Sontuk Partav is a masterpiece that cements Ganga Dhar Dehati’s place as one of the greatest poets of his time. It is a work of immense literary and cultural significance, a collection that speaks to both the heart and the mind.
Dehati’s poetry is a testament to the power of words to inspire, heal, and transform. Whether writing in Kashmiri or Urdu, he speaks with a voice that is both deeply personal and profoundly universal. His revolutionary spirit, his love for humanity, and his unwavering commitment to truth and justice make Sontuk Partav a timeless treasure in the world of literature.
For anyone who values poetry that engages with the world while celebrating its beauty and complexity, Sontuk Partav is an essential read. It is a book that not only enriches the mind but also stirs the soul, reminding us of the boundless potential of art to illuminate the human experience.