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my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 3 Nov: The diary, ‘Sangharsh Aur Swapna Sansar’, by storyteller and litterateur Mohan Thapliyal was released today at the Doon Library & Research Centre, Dehradun. On the occasion, the film ‘Patal Ti’, dedicated to Mohan Thapliyal, was also screened.
Mohan Thapliyal, a well-known storyteller, was deeply connected with the life of the people in the hills, social inequalities, the pain of migration and the struggles of ordinary people. His writings reflected not only the sensitivity of mountain life but also a forthright expression of the contradictions within the social and political systems. He was a writer who drew upon his life experiences and ideological commitments as the foundation of his literary work. His diary ‘Sangharsh Aur Swapna Sansar’ is an important document that offers insights into his struggles, thoughts, experiences and social concerns.
Renowned poet and Padma Shri awardee Leeladhar Jagudi, in his remarks, observed, “One who has never seen the mountains should look at the face of Mohan Thapliyal.” His statement powerfully captured Thapliyal’s personality and his deep-rooted association with the mountains.
Delivering the keynote address, Prabhati Nautiyal, a former classmate of Mohan Thapliyal at Jawaharlal Nehru University and a distinguished translator and expert in Spanish and Portuguese languages and literature, said that Mohan was undoubtedly an integral part of the mountains, but through his translations of Bertolt Brecht’s stories and poems, he also introduced readers to various dimensions of society.
Presiding over the programme, Alok Prabhakar, editor of Lokganga, said that Mohan Thapliyal was among those writers from the hills who expressed the pain of mountain communities and the anguish of migration with deep sensitivity. His close ideological companion, Bandhu Kushawarti, observed that Thapliyal consistently brought issues concerning ordinary people and everyday life to the forefront through his writing and reflections.
On this occasion, Geeta Gairola, Rajesh Saklani and Arun Kuksal read out selected excerpts from the diary. Connecting these passages with contemporary social and political circumstances, they highlighted the relevance and ideological depth of Mohan Thapliyal’s writings.
Suresh Ghildiyal, Chief Town Planner, Uttar Pradesh, and a close friend of Mohan Thapliyal who is currently based in Mumbai, also sent a message describing him as a thoughtful, serious and deeply humane storyteller.
In an emotional address, Mohan Thapliyal’s elder daughter said that her father had never compromised on his principles throughout his life. She had grown up watching and listening to him. Her mother, sister and brother had also faced difficult circumstances, but the family had never opposed his convictions. She added that when she now looks at the depth of her father’s writings in the context of contemporary society, she realises how far ahead he was able to think and perceive.
Chandrakala Bhandari introduced the life and literary contributions of Mohan Thapliyal. Santosh, who has been deeply influenced by his writings, said that Thapliyal had always been an ideal for him. The screening of the film ‘Patal Ti’ at this commemorative programme was, for him, both a privilege and an emotionally meaningful experience.
At the conclusion of the programme, Shivraj Singh Lodiyal expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests, litterateurs, writers, readers, literary enthusiasts and family members of Mohan Thapliyal.
A large number of litterateurs, writers, poets, readers, literary enthusiasts, intellectuals and family members of Mohan Thapliyal attended the programme.
At the beginning of the programme, Chandrashekhar Tewari, Programme Officer of the Centre, welcomed the speakers, distinguished guests and members of the audience.
The programme was conducted by Advocate Chandrakala Bhandari.
The programme was also attended by, Dr.Yogesh Dhasmana, Dr Subhash Thaledi, Sundar Singh Bisht, Surendra Sajwan, Kul Bhushan Naithani, Alok Sareen, Jagdamba Maithani, along with several other writers, litterateurs, readers and distinguished members of the city.
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