A Poet’s Journey from Urdu, Punjabi to Hindi, Dogri

Meet The Legend: KEWAL KRISHAN SHAKIR

Soft spoken, middle stature, keen to know the culture and heritage of Duggar Pradesh Kewal Krishan Skakir is a person who never knows to take rest. He used to spend hours and hours in exploring the history and culture of the historical and religious places of Duggar Land. To satisfy his inner desire he visited innumerable places to get the accurate information about the abandoned monuments and religious places of past and present. Besides, Shakir is a versatile reader and prolific writer in many languages. From Urdu writing he shifted to Punjabi, Hindi and Dogri writing and wrote many books in multiple languages. He received various awards for the books he wrote.

In a detailed interview with K.K Shakir an effort is being made to explore the way he undertook extensive study of hundred of religious places scattered from Jammu to different areas of region. Few excerpts from the interview with KANCHAN SHARMA:

KANCHAN SHARMA: Tell us something about your initial journey of writing in Urdu and Punjabi?

KEWAL KRISHAN SHAKIR: I used to write in Punjabi. My first story “Gaveya” got published on December 7, 1954 in an Urdu newspaper” Tarjuman” . I received applaud from everywhere. Since then my journey for writing many a poems, stories started. I used to take part in kavi ghoshtis . During the years my co-mates suggested me to write in Punjabi as I converse in Punjabi. From the period of 1960 onwards I wrote in Punjabi. My book “ Parchhawan” got published in 1974 “ Dharti de geet“ in 1985 Janiharan in 1986 got published in Punjabi. “ Gulshan Gulshan in Urdu and Yeh Log in Urdu got published in 1987 and 1988 respectively. My first novel in Dogri got published “ Sarkande” in 1988 and onward I used to write in Dogri. Other book Hirkhe de dor got published in Dogri.

KS: What made you to shift to Hindi and Dogri writings?

KKS: My literary association with newspapers prompted me to write in Hindi and Dogri. I used to work with newspapers and as regular contributor in Hindi newspapers made me to write in Hindi and Dogri. In Hindi Jammu ke Prachin mandir got published in 2012 and Jammu ke Dharmik Sathal got published in 2013. Though professionally I served education department as a lecturer and written many more articles, poem and books. My contribution as columnist in Dainik Jagran was widely acclaimed in literary circles. Earlier I remained associated Kashmir Times, Taskeen, Jammu Prabhat, Himalayan Mail and also contributed in Sheraza and Yojna and Dharma Marg.

KS: Which book brought you more appreciation?

KKS: I wrote a number of books but Jammu ke Prachin Mandir received accolades and Central Hindi Directorate gave me a cash award of Rs one lakh for the importance of the contents. In the contents I have covered the Historical background of temples around. Jammu ke Dharmik sthal is another book devoted to the religious and historical places of Jammu. Both these books became the talk of the town.

To acknowledge my contribution in writing I received various medals. Best teacher award by the President of India, Gandhi Medal by Gandhi Smarak Nidhi were also given. During my 62 years writing carrier I remained associated with Punjabi Sahitya Sabha, Punjabi Lekhak Sabha,Dogri Sanstha, Jammu, J and K Rashtriya Bhasha Prachar Samiti and Nami Dogri Sanstha.

KS: What are your next plans?

KKS: My full concentration is now on exploring the heritage and culture of Jammu. My next book on the Smaraks of Jammu is under publication.