O P Sharma
Prof Ram Nath Shastri has made a singular contribution to the Dogri language and its literature after infusing a new spirit into its literary movement through the Dogri Sanstha, a premier literary and cultural organization, set up in 1944, for promotion and projection of Dogri language and Duggar’s rich cultural heritage. A prolific Dogri writer, critic, poet, short story writer and the editor of the Dogri Sanstha’s magazine “Naven Chetna”and many other publications to his credit.
Shastri outshines many stalwarts of the Dogri poets and writers. His father-figure presence in the Dogri literary movement since 1944 had inspired many writers to switch over to their mother-tongue, Dogri. Numerous writers were inspired or influenced by this literary genius.
Pioneer Work
Recipient of many awards and honours, Prof. Ram Nath Shastri got Sahitya Akademi Award in 1976 for his book in Dogri entitled “Badnami Di Chhan”, a collection of his shorts stories.
He was also bestowed title of Padam Shree during 1990 for his rich contribution to Duggar’s culture language and literature. Even at an advanced age, Prof. Shastri was a live-wire and engaged himself in a number of literary and social activities till his last breath .
Man of Conviction
Prof Ram Nath Shastri, in an interview had given me details of his literary career and contribution while speaking with conviction. This khadi-clad pioneer of the Dogri movement narrated the story of struggle by the Dogri Sanstha set up in 1944 for the promotion of Dogri and projection of Duggar’s rich cultural heritage.
Dogri Sanstha
It was on the auspicious day of BasantPanchmi during 1944 that a momentous decision to form Dogri Sanstha was taken. Those who took initiative to form Dogri Sanstha then were: Ram Nath Shastri and some of his contemporary writers. It was a path breaking idea of formation of Dogri Sanstha to work for Dogri language.
The pioneers and founders of Dogri Sanstha included: Ram Nath Shastri, Dinoo Bhai Pant, D C Parshant, N.D. Mishra, Bhagwat Prasad Sathe,, Sansar Chand Baru and few others who rendered yeo-man’s service. The Sanstha was an effective instrument for more dynamic role for cultural rejuvenation, promotion of Dogri language, education and putting out many publications in mother-tongue, Dogri.
Outstanding work
Nami Chetna, a magazine in Dogri edited by Mr Shastri remained on the forefront of this literary movement and ceased publication after 88 issues. This magazine created a literary stir and infused a new life and spirit into the literature and culture of the Dogras.
Prof. Shastri’s ancestors belonged to Marhi village in Reasi district and his father, Vaid Gouri Shanker, came to Jammu in 1931 alongwith his family including his sons Ram Nath and Narendra, both are recipients of Sahitya Akademi Award.
Born on April 14, 1914, he did Matriculation in 1931, later passed Pragya and Visharad in Sanskrit and then completed the Shastri degree from the Raghunath Pathshalla, Jammu and subsequently obtained BA degree during 1938 and joined as a teacher on Rs 35 monthly salary in Sri Pratap Memorial Rajput School, Jammu. Afterwards, he did MA (Sanskrit) from the University of Punjab, Lahore in 1943 and became a Lecturer in the Prince of Wales College (now Gandhi Memorial Science College) Jammu and superannuated in 1970. Thereafter, he was Senior Fellow from 1970 to 1975 in the Post-Graduate Department of Dogri, Jammu University. He also remained Chief Editor of Dogri-Dogri Dictionary Project (1977-1985) in the J&K State Academy of Art, Culture and Languages. His six-volume work of Dogri Dictionary is a monumental contribution to the development of the Dogri language.
Unique Contribution.
Prof Shastri has carved out a unique place in almost all genres of Dogri literature as a poet, short-story writer, playwright and eassayist. His publications are of high order. He has translated some classic works including six Upanishads in Dogri verses; RabindraNath Tagore’s Gitanjali, Balidaan, Malini and Dak Ghar; Mahatma Gandhi’s autobiography “My Experiments with Truth””; Maxim Gorkey’s””Lower Depth”” and DharamVir Bharti’s “AndhaYug”; Vinoba Bhave’s Gita Pravachanand; C.Rajagopalachari’s “Ramayana and Dharmvir”. His other important publications also include: Naman Gran (Dogri play) co-authored with Dinoo Bhai Pant and R.K Abrol in 1956; Bawa Jitto (Ballad of Duggar’sfamous folk hero) in 1973; Badnami Di Chhan(collection of six short stories) 1976; while in 1975 had authored Jhakdian Kiran (one Act play); completed Dharti Da Rinin-1977 and a collection of Ghazals and Talkhiyani during 1980.
Shastri’s Dharti Da Rin won him J&K State Cultural Academy Award in 1976 while his book Badnami Di Chhan brought him the Sahitya Akademi Award during 1976. These short stories have social themes, distinct powerful characters and progressive outlook.
Prof. Shastri remained part of the development of Dogri language for over five decades and it is difficult to separate this person from the renaissance movement for Dogri from mid- 1940s. We are perhaps too close to him to make proper assessment of this literary genius but certainly he did a commendable job in making Dogri a living and dynamic language.
A Legacy
Prof. Ram Nath Shastri is also known as the “Father of Dogri” for his pivotal role in revival and resurgence of this sweet language; he was a versatile and prolific litterateur who excelled as Dogri poet,, dramatis,, fiction writer, lexicographer, essayist, educationist, translator and editor of Dogri Sanstha’s magazine.
Padma Shree Award, civilian honour, was bestowed on him for Literature & Education, he also got D. Litt (Honoris Causa) from the University of Jammu.
Describing Central Government’s decision to include Dogri in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution on December 22, 2003, as the happiest moment of his life. Ram Nath Shastri, said: “This has culminated the long struggle of the Dogri-speaking people for a rightful place for their language. Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has fulfilled his promise to the people.”
Ram Nath Shastri, a Doyen of Dogri, was born on April 14, 1914 and passed into history on March 8, 2009, leaving behind a singular legacy of unique service for projecting Dogri language and literature as also Duggar’s cultural heritage.
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