O P Sharma
“Pala Sepoy Dogra Aa” is a line from the iconic Dogri song that symbolizes the culture, bravery, and simplicity of the Dogras, resonating deeply with many, including Army soldiers. Composed by the esteemed Dogri poet Krishen Smailpuri and beautifully rendered by the legendary “Melody Queen,” Bharat Ratna recipient Lata Mangeshkar, this song has gained immense popularity. It holds a special place in the hearts of our Security Forces, who cherish its sweet and melodious tunes.
The song poignantly portrays the emotions of a Dogra soldier’s wife, who, in the agony of separation, invites her husband to the mesmerizing green fields and captivating hills, suggesting that even the vibrant flowers of the hills await his return.
Krishen Smailpuri’s legacy stands tall in Dogri literature. A poet, Urdu writer, and briefly a journalist, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1975 for his poetic collection entitled “Mere Dogri Geet.” His Urdu publication, Firdouse Wattan, reflects his deep-rooted love for Duggar and his profound sense of patriotism.
Born on September 8, 1900, in a lower middle-class family in Smailpur, approximately 16 km from Jammu, he grew up under the guidance of his father, Pt. Sunder Dass, who was deeply devoted. The early loss of his mother at age six had a lasting effect on him.
He later moved in with his maternal uncle, Pt. Agya Ram, a Superintendent in the Khatar Tawaza (J&K Hospitality and Protocol Department) in Jammu. Despite struggling academically, he developed a passion for drama, music, and singing. His creative energy was soon expressed through poetry, exploring themes of patriotism and human emotions. His literary journey began with Urdu poetry, gaining recognition and awards at the annual conference of the Dogra Saddar Sabha, Jammu. Smailpuri studied renowned Urdu poets like Daag, Mirza Ghalib, Amir Minae, and Josh Malhabadi, acquiring a solid understanding of Urdu literature and finding inspiration in Daag’s language and style. After his marriage, he moved from his uncle’s home to pursue his aspirations.
The stark reality is that most writers and poets in our country cannot rely solely on their literary works for income; many undertake additional jobs to sustain themselves. Unfortunately, this situation is even more challenging in the Dogri literary scene, where limited publishers are willing to support Dogri literature, resulting in inadequate compensation and low circulation. Aspiring authors often find themselves self-publishing without experience in printing, marketing, or distribution, leading to disheartening results. It’s crucial for book lovers to critically assess the troubling realities of the current literary landscape, the struggles of writers and publishers, and collaboratively explore solutions. However, signs of change are emerging, and with time, more publishers may surface, encouraging young talent to write in their mother tongue. Our Education System must prioritize the promotion and advancement of the Dogri language, leveraging new technologies and innovations.
In 1927, Krishen Smailpuri courageously founded the Urdu weekly, Jannat, from Sialkot (now in Pakistan), but it faced financial challenges and ended prematurely. He eventually relocated outside Jammu and Kashmir, working for a private entity before returning home. He secured a position as a preacher (Updeshak) in the Dharamarth Trust, allowing him to write. His first publication, Vaishno Katha, was dedicated to the holy Durbar of Vaishno Devi. After the establishment of the Radio Station, Jammu, he joined as a copyist. In his youth, he represented Maharaja Pratap Singh’s cricket team.
Smailpuri later began composing poetry in Dogri, writing ghazals, geets, and other forms, though these were published in book form much later. His patriotic fervor and love for Duggar resonate through verses like:
Surge di Gall nayen La Aarie,
Yas Apne Desa da Gaa Aarie
(Oh companion, don’t speak of paradise; instead, sing praises of our homeland)
He authored nearly two hundred lyrics, enhancing Smailpuri’s stature as a prominent Dogri poet. His approach is characterized by simplicity and clarity, reflecting profound human sentiments.
The village of Smailpur has produced three notable figures: the esteemed political leader Pt. Prem Nath Dogra and two literary icons, Krishen Smailpuri and Tara Smailpuri, both honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award in Dogri.
Typically dressed in traditional Dogri attire comprising Churidar Pyjama and Kurta, Smailpuri was also recognized by the J&K State Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages during 1963-64.
He passed away on January 27, 1981, leaving behind a rich literary legacy.
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