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Draft:Dr. Archana Kesar

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Introduction

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Dr. Archana Kesar is an Indian academic, translator, literary critic, and creative writer who has made significant contributions to Dogri language and literature. She retired as a Professor from the Department of Dogri at the University of Jammu in 2018..[1] In 2024, she was awarded the prestigious Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize for her Dogri translation of Bhishma Sahani's landmark Hindi novel "Tamas."[2][3]

Early Life and Education

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Dr. Archana Kesar completed her doctoral studies (Ph.D.) from the University of Jammu, specializing in Dogri language and literature. Her academic journey includes:[4]

  • M.A. Sanskrit (1979)
  • M.Phil Sanskrit (1981)
  • Honours in Dogri

Her academic journey has been marked by a deep commitment to the preservation and promotion of Dogri, one of the official languages of India that was included in the 8th Schedule of the Indian Constitution in 2003.

Career

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Dr. Kesar retired from the University of Jammu in 2018 after a distinguished academic career.[5] During her tenure at the university, she held numerous important administrative positions, including:

  • Dean of Research Studies, University of Jammu (appointed July 31, 2015)[6]
  • Dean of Arts Faculty, University of Jammu[7]
  • Dean of Oriental Learning, University of Jammu[8]
  • Head, Department of Dogri (two terms):[9]
    • September 1, 2005 to October 5, 2008
    • June 17, 2014 to February 17, 2015
  • Head, Department of Punjabi (2012 to 2014)[10]
  • Director, Human Resource Development Centre (formerly Academic Staff College), University of Jammu (August 21, 2012 to December 12, 2013)[11]
  • Principal, Institute of Music and Fine Arts, University of Jammu[12]
  • Convenor, Publication Cell, University of Jammu (2009 to 2011)[13]
  • Member, University Council, University of Jammu (2010-2013)[14]
  • Member, Syndicate, University of Kashmir (2010-2012)[15]

Throughout her career, she established herself as an important voice in Dogri literary circles through her academic research, creative writing, and critical analysis of Dogri literature.

Her areas of expertise include:

  • Linguistics
  • Literary Criticism
  • Folklore
  • Translation
  • Literature

Literary Works

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Dr. Kesar is known for her contributions to Dogri literature both as a creative writer and as a scholar. She has authored numerous books and translations throughout her career. Her literary output includes:

Books

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  1. "Dogri Sahitya - Meri Nazri ch" (2000)[16]
  2. "Bharti Kavya Shastra" (Two editions: 2009 & 2024)[17]
  3. "Romal Singh Bhandral" (Monograph in Dogri) - Published by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (2016)[18]
  4. Nine other books on various aspects of Dogri language, literature, and culture[19]

Translations

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  1. "Yattri" - A collection of short stories by Harbhajan Singh Sagar, translated from Punjabi into Dogri - Published by J&K Academy of Arts, Culture & Languages, Jammu (2018)[20]
  2. "Tamas" - Novel by Bhisham Sahini, translated from Hindi - Published by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (2020) - This translation earned her the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize in 2024[21][22]
  3. "Kashmir Darpan" - Essay by Prof. Ved Ghai, translated from Dogri into Hindi (2021)[23]
  4. "Guru Gobind Singh" - Monograph translated from Punjabi into Dogri - Published by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (2021)[24]
  5. Constitution of India - Translated into Dogri, serving as Convenor and Translator - Published by Law & Justice Ministry, Government of India (2022)[25]
    Dr. Archana Kesar, alongside the Hon'ble Union Minister of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju, participated in the release of the first edition of the Dogri version of the Constitution of India at the University of Jammu.
  6. "Ik Myan Do Talwaran" - Novel by Nanak Singh, translated from Punjabi into Dogri - Published by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (2024)[26]
  7. "Titwal Da Kutta" - Selected short stories of Sadat Hasan Manto, translated into Dogri - Published by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi (2024)[27]

Academic Contributions

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  • Published 40 research papers in various academic journals[28]
  • Supervised 17 Ph.D. scholars[29]

Short Stories and Plays

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Dr. Kesar has written several short stories and plays in Dogri, exploring sensitive and delicate topics with nuance and depth. Her creative works are noted for their literary merit and social relevance.[30]

Editorial Work and Research

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In addition to her books and translations, Dr. Kesar has made significant contributions as an editor and researcher

  1. Edited Padmashri Padma Sachdev's autobiography "Chitt Chete" (2007)[31]
  2. Edited three volumes of the annual Research Journal of P.G. Department of Dogri, "Dogri Shodh" (2005, 2006, 2007)[32]
  3. Edited three volumes of "A Multidisciplinary Journal of the University of Jammu" (2009 & 2016)[33]
  4. Conducted a Minor Research Project on "Critical evaluation of Dogri Novel" assigned by University of Jammu[34]

Academic Publications

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She has authored numerous academic articles and research papers on various aspects of Dogri language and literature, contributing significantly to the scholarly discourse in this field.

Awards and Recognition

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  • Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize (2024) - Awarded for her Dogri translation of Bhishma Sahani's Hindi novel "Tamas"[35][36]
  • Recognized as a Sahitya Akademi Awardee for her contributions to Dogri literature[37]
  • Frequently invited as Chief Guest and Chair at literary and academic events, reflecting her standing in the literary community[38]

Professional Activities

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Dr. Kesar is actively involved in the academic and literary community:

  • She has participated in and presided over numerous seminars and conferences on Dogri language and literature.[39]
  • In September 2023, she was invited by Sahitya Akademi to chair the Fourth Session of a two-day seminar on "History of Dogri Language and Literature" at the University of Jammu.[40]
  • In February 2024, she chaired a session at a symposium on "Translation as a form of Literature with special reference to Translation from Dogri and into Dogri from other languages" organized by Sahitya Akademi and J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Language.[41]
  • In March 2024, she delivered a keynote address at an event focused on Dogri poetry organized by Sahitya Akademi and J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Language.[42]
  • She has presented lectures on literary theory and critical analysis, including lectures on "Bhartiya Alochana De Sidhanth te Kavita vich Alankar da Prayog" (Principles of Indian Criticism and the Use of Figures of Speech in Poetry).[43]
  • She continues to be invited as Chief Guest at various educational and cultural events, such as the inauguration ceremony of Government Primary School Upper Rajwal in April 2025, where she was recognized as a "Sahitya Akademi Awardee" and "Former HOD Deptt. of Dogri, Jammu University."[44]

Contributions to Dogri Literature

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Dr. Kesar is recognized as an eminent literary figure in the Dogri literary community. Her work as an academic, translator, and creative writer has contributed significantly to the development and promotion of Dogri language and literature. One of her most notable contributions is the translation of the Indian Constitution into Dogri, which not only made this foundational document accessible to Dogri speakers but also significantly elevated the status and recognition of the Dogri language in India's legal and constitutional framework[45]

She is part of a growing number of women writers from Jammu who have made their mark in the literary world through their textual creativity and feminist vision of social transformation.[46] Through her extensive body of work comprising 12 books and numerous translations, she has helped preserve and promote Dogri literary traditions while making important texts accessible to Dogri speakers.

Legacy

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Dr. Archana Kesar's contributions to Dogri literature and her role in promoting this regional language have helped elevate its status and visibility in India's diverse linguistic landscape. Her academic work and creative writings continue to inspire new generations of Dogri writers and scholars.[47]

References

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  1. ^ University of Jammu. (n.d.). Faculty Profile: Dr. Archana Kesar. Retrieved from [1]
  2. ^ Sahitya Akademi. (2025) . Akademi Translation Prizes (1989-2024). Retrieved from https://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/awards/anuvad_samman_suchi.jsp
  3. ^ Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2025, March 21) . Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation 2024. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2113771
  4. ^ Personal documents provided by Dr. Archana Kesar, including educational certificates and curriculum vitae
  5. ^ Daily Excelsior. (2018, June 30) . Prof. Archana Kesar retires from University of Jammu.
  6. ^ Daily Excelsior. (2015, August 1). Prof Archana Kesar takes over as Dean Research Studies in JU. Retrieved from https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/prof-archana-kesar-takes-over-as-dean-research-studies-in-ju/
  7. ^ University of Jammu. (2016) . Annual Report 2015-2016, p. 45.
  8. ^ University of Jammu. (2017). Annual Report 2016-2017, p. 52.
  9. ^ University of Jammu. (2015, February 17). Office Order No. Adm/TW/C&R/15/1247-1256.
  10. ^ University of Jammu. (2014). Annual Report 2013-2014, p. 38.
  11. ^ University of Jammu. (2013). Human Resource Development Centre Records, December 2013.
  12. ^ University of Jammu. (2012). Institute of Music and Fine Arts, Annual Report 2011-2012.
  13. ^ University of Jammu. (2011). Publication Cell Records, 2009-2011.
  14. ^ University of Jammu. (2013). University Council Minutes, 2010-2013.
  15. ^ University of Kashmir. (2012). Syndicate Records, 2010-2012.
  16. ^ Kesar, A. (2000). Dogri Sahitya - Meri Nazri ch. Jammu: Dogri Sanstha.
  17. ^ Kesar, A. (2024). Bharti Kavya Shastra (2nd ed.). Jammu: Dogri Sanstha.
  18. ^ Kesar, A. (2016). Romal Singh Bhandral. New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi.
  19. ^ Compilation of Dr. Archana Kesar's published works provided by the author.
  20. ^ Sagar, H. S. (2018). Yattri (A. Kesar, Trans.). Jammu: J&K Academy of Arts, Culture & Languages.
  21. ^ Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2025, March 21). Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation 2024. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2113771
  22. ^ Sahani, B. (2020). Tamas (A. Kesar, Trans.). New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi.
  23. ^ Ghai, V. (2021) . Kashmir Darpan (A. Kesar, Trans.). New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi.
  24. ^ Kesar, A. (Trans.). (2021). Guru Gobind Singh. New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi.
  25. ^ Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. (2022). Constitution of India (Dogri Translation). New Delhi: Government of India.
  26. ^ Singh, N. (2024). Ik Myan Do Talwaran (A. Kesar, Trans.). New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi.
  27. ^ Manto, S. H. (2024). Titwal Da Kutta (A. Kesar, Trans.). New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi.
  28. ^ List of research papers provided in Dr. Archana Kesar's curriculum vitae.
  29. ^ University of Jammu. (2018). Ph.D. Records, Department of Dogri (1990-2018)
  30. ^ The Earth News. (2017, January 21). 'Ghadi':Hindi Translation of Dogri Poetry collection. Retrieved from https://www.10net.in/2017/01/21/ghadihindi-translation-of-dogri-poetry-collection/
  31. ^ Sachdev, P. (2007) . Chitt Chete (A. Kesar, Ed.). New Delhi: Sahitya Akademi.
  32. ^ Department of Dogri, University of Jammu. (2005-2007). Dogri Shodh (Vols. 1-3). A. Kesar (Ed.).
  33. ^ University of Jammu. (2009, 2016). A Multidisciplinary Journal of the University of Jammu (Vols. 1-3). A. Kesar (Ed.).
  34. ^ University of Jammu. (2010). Research Projects Registry, p. 78.
  35. ^ Sahitya Akademi. (2025) . Akademi Translation Prizes (1989-2024). Retrieved from https://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/awards/anuvad_samman_suchi.jsp
  36. ^ Press Information Bureau, Government of India. (2025, March 21). Sahitya Akademi Prize for Translation 2024. Retrieved from https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2113771
  37. ^ Government Primary School Upper Rajwal. (2025, April 8) . Inauguration Ceremony Invitation [Invitation card identifying Dr. Archana Kesar as "Sahitya Akademi Awardee"].
  38. ^ Compilation of event invitations and programs featuring Dr. Archana Kesar (2015-2025).
  39. ^ Daily Excelsior. (2023, September 22). Seminar on 'History of Dogri Language & Literature' concludes at JU.
  40. ^ Sahitya Akademi. (2023, August 21). Invitation letter to Dr. Archana Kesar for chairing session at seminar on History of Dogri Language and Literature [Reference No. SA.86A/2023/5/10340].
  41. ^ Sahitya Akademi & J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Language. (2024, February 3). Program for Symposium on Translation as a form of Literature [Event brochure].
  42. ^ Sahitya Akademi & J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Language. (2024, March 22). Program for event on Dogri poetry [Event brochure].
  43. ^ University of Jammu. (2024, March). Report on Three-Day Creative Writing Workshop on Dogri Language.
  44. ^ Government Primary School Upper Rajwal. (2025, April 8). Inauguration Ceremony Invitation [Invitation card].
  45. ^ Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. (2022). Constitution of India (Dogri Translation). New Delhi: Government of India.
  46. ^ Daily Excelsior. (2014, March 16). Women Writers of Jammu. Retrieved from https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/women-writers-of-jammu/
  47. ^ Daily Excelsior. (2018, August 19) . Bhadwal, the Dogri poet. Retrieved from https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/bhadwal-the-dogri-poet/