Dr.

Jatinder Udhampuri An artist par excellence It is very rare you come across people who have written their own destiny against all odds. Dr. Jatinder Udhampuri falls comfortably in the category of these handful of people. As the name itself signifies Jatinder Udhampuria belongs to Udhampur a town just 60 Km from Jammu, in the foothills of Himalayas. He was born to a humble family of late Jagan Nath on November the 9th in the year 1944. Dr. Jitender studied in Udhampur during his early years and after doing matriculation he along with his mother shifted to Jammu to persue higher education. He took admission in GGM Science College. During the course of education, Dr. Jatinderss mother developed a serious liver ailment which started hampering his education. The responsibility of his younger brothers and sisters fell on his shoulders being the eldest sibling. Eventually he had to return to Udhampur with his family bringing an end to his stinct with GGM Science College. During his early days in Udhampur, Dr. Jitender as a Child learnt hindi and Urdu from his father Jagan Nath. He was much inspired by the writings of Ghalib, Faiz Ahmed, Maha Devi, Iqbal, Dinkar, Nirala and did an extensive study of their writings. The poet within was becokening and making him unconsciously attracted to the books of these celebrated poets and writers. He started composing verses while he was in school and recited these in school assemblies. He fortunately got lot of support from his friends and encouragement from his teachers and peers. Later when Dr. Jitender came back to Udhampur leaving his studies incomplete at Jammu, he joined the Indian Army. But his heart was not in the job so he continued with his studies and completed his doctrate in Dogri. He completed his masters in History too. He later became a broadcaster in All India Radio and retired from there as Director after having served in the army for six years. Dr. Jitender entered the literary arena with Urdu as a medium of expression and in the year 1962 his first Urdu Ghazal got published. Soon, thereafter, he shifted to Hindi. But deep inside being a Dogra and belonging to Dogra culture he realized that he would be in a position to communicate better in Dogri itself. Thus, Dogri it was and through his works he has connected himself with the people of Jammu region bringing out his indepth feelings and emotions through his poems. Today, Dr. Jitenders consistent, hardwork, efforts and passion in the field of writing has put him at par with Padma Sachdev and Ram Nath Shastri. He needs no introduction as his work speaks for him. Some of his notable works include the great epic Jitto, Dewan-e-Gazals, Duggar Nama, Geet Ganga, Thehra Hua Kothra, Channi, De Do Ek basant (Hindi) and his well known work Ek Shehar Yadeen Da, Banjara Kish Kalian Tere naa, Judayian, Pinday di Barat, Basti-Basti, Dil Dariya Khali-Khali, Phool Udaas Hain (Hindi), Woh Ek din (Hindi), Dil Hoya Darvesh (Punjabi), in addition to scores of research articles. Some of his notable works have been translated in other languages including English, Hindi, Urdu, Kashmiri, Nepali and Czech. Awards Conferred 8 Padma Shri Award 2010 8 Sathiya Akademi Award 1981 8 Senior Fellowship. 8 J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Award 4 times 1985, 1986, 1995, 2004 8 Rashtriya Hindi Devi Sehsrabdi Samman 2000. 8 Subhadra Kumari Chouhan Janam Shatabadi Samman 8 Rashtriya Kari Pt. Shohan Lal Devedi Samman 8 Gold Medal by J&K Govt. 1993. 8 Dogra Sahitya Rattan Samman 2004. 8 Sahitaya Samman by J&K

Govt. 2005 8 Dogra Ratna Samman 2006. 8 Dogri Sanstha Samman 1970, 1982, 1995. In his own words Dr. Jitender Udhampuria feels awards are just a recognition of ones hard work and encourage an artist further, but in no way should they hamper your growth. The fact, remains that Dr. Jitender still strives to do better in his field of Literature. We salute such sons of the soil who have not only brought pride to Duggar Culture and more importantly to the language of Dogri, but have set the trend for our youngsters who stand encouraged by their endeavour to carry on the light of Dogri language and culture further. He is inspiration enough for the future generation to realize that dreams and passions can be fulfilled provided you have the will.