Abdul Quddir Kundria’s Dogri Collection Echoes with Urgency, Empathy, and Hope
By Mohd. Yaseen
At a time when literature often finds itself sidelined by the fast-paced churn of digital media, Gottey Gae Gottey, a Dogri poetry collection by Abdul Quddir Kundria, emerges as a clarion call for introspection and action. More than just a literary offering, the collection is a reflection of our times — an exploration of society’s moral struggles, a critique of its failings, and an appeal to reclaim compassion, unity, and conscience.
Translated loosely as “Entangled Upon Entangled,” the title sets the tone for what follows: a journey through the complex, often painful knots of human experience — social, cultural, psychological, and political. In Kundria’s hands, poetry becomes both an artistic endeavor and a form of social engagement, offering readers a chance to pause, reflect, and, ultimately, to act.
At the heart of Gottey Gae Gottey is a clear moral vision. The poet does not shy away from confronting the pressing challenges of the present — drug addiction, communal discord, social apathy, gender injustice, and the erosion of values. His verses carry the urgency of lived experience and the depth of a voice deeply connected with the cultural pulse of Jammu and Kashmir. Yet, despite the weight of these themes, the tone is not despairing. Instead, it is one of resolve — to awaken, to heal, and to transform.
A particularly powerful strand in the collection is the poet’s exploration of youth-related issues, especially substance abuse. In poems marked by stark imagery and emotional resonance, he paints a disturbing picture of addiction’s impact. But these are not mere laments. They serve as wake-up calls to society — to families, educators, and institutions — to act with urgency and compassion.
Equally resonant is Kundria’s call for communal harmony. In a region known for its diverse cultural and religious mosaic, his poetry reminds readers of their shared past and collective strength. He warns against divisive forces and urges the revival of mutual respect, drawing from the pluralistic traditions that define the region. These verses offer both caution and hope — caution against fragmentation and hope for unity.
Kundria’s critique of institutional decay is balanced by empathy. His verses address corruption, administrative apathy, and the commodification of tradition. Yet, they also examine the personal: broken families, gender imbalances, and the erosion of customs. These reflections, tender and piercing, give the collection a universal appeal, reaching beyond the local to touch the human.
Stylistically, Gottey Gae Gottey stands out for its authentic linguistic blend. Rich in Dogri idioms, folk references, and rhythmic phrasing, the poetry resonates with cultural depth. The interplay of Dogri’s earthy strength, Urdu’s lyrical elegance, and Hindi’s emotional directness makes the language accessible and evocative. This stylistic mix not only enhances the poetry’s appeal but also affirms the vitality of regional expression in contemporary discourse.
Importantly, the poet has not allowed his words to remain confined to pages. Recognizing literature’s power to influence, Kundria has actively shared the collection with educational institutions, cultural bodies, and public offices across the region. His outreach aims to stimulate meaningful dialogue among young readers, educators, and administrators — encouraging them to see poetry as a tool for awareness and reform.
This initiative has received praise from educators and literary voices alike, who view the book as a valuable resource for classrooms and community spaces. It has sparked conversations around social challenges and inspired students to speak about their lived realities. In poetry reading sessions held at schools and colleges, the verses have served as entry points for open discussions on issues like drugs, discrimination, and identity.
In promoting Dogri through this work, Kundria makes a powerful statement on cultural preservation. At a time when regional languages are under threat from homogenizing influences, his choice to write and advocate in Dogri is a deliberate act of resistance and pride. He sees language as a vessel of memory and identity — and through this collection, he brings Dogri back into public attention with renewed energy and purpose.
The success of Gottey Gae Gottey lies not just in its literary merit, but in its sincerity. It speaks in a language that is both poetic and plainly urgent. It is local in voice but broad in vision. It revives the tradition of socially conscious poetry — one that doesn’t retreat from reality but engages with it, questions it, and hopes to reshape it.
Through Gottey Gae Gottey, Abdul Quddir Kundria offers more than a poetry book. He offers a mirror to our collective condition, a map to navigate its challenges, and a mission to inspire reform. In a world flooded with noise, his verses cut through with clarity. In a time of cynicism, they carry faith. And in an age of fragmentation, they bind.
(The writer is a National Scholarship and Fellowship Holder from the GoI)
