Garhwali , Kumaoni, Himalayan Literature

Gunanand Dangwal ‘Pathik’: The Translator of Rama Story in Garhwali
Bhishma kukreti

Gunanad Pathik has versatile personalities. In true sense, Gunanad Pathik was a born revolutionary person but at the same time, Gunanand respected those cultural aspects which are important for humanity at all levels. In garhwali literature, Gunanand Daangwal ‘Pathik’ is considered for his translation of Ramayan in melodious song style and useful for playing Ramlila long play in Garhwali language .
Gunanand Dangwal was born in 1913 in a Himalayan village of Tihri Riyasat . His father a moneylender was a millionaire from today’s angel. However, father of Gunannad never appreciated Gunanand that Gunanand goes to school for higher study. His father wanted that Gunannad manage the money lending business and be devotee of Tihri Maharaj but Gunanad refused to obey his father and choose to be with freedom fighters.
After independence, Gunanand shifted to Dehradun. Gunanand has been a poor man for ever in his life.
Gunanand wrote hundred of poems in Garhwali and published Garhwali poetry collections as ‘Paun pani’, Uljhare Parani, Bigul Raibar, Gandhi Ji ka Pyara harijan, and Geetang Gailya etc.
Gunanand is always remembered in Garhwali literature for his book Gadh Bhasha Lila Ramayana. The story is the universally told story of Rama but Gunanand Dangwal Pathik was successful in his work that Garhwalis feel that the happenings of Ramayana are happenings in their area. Gunanand created the scenes related to Garhwali culture and rituals in his Lila Ramayana .
The language of gadh bhasha Lila Ramayana is very simple and i created in melodious tone. Gunanand Pathik used conventional tone of Garhwali folk songs for writing the dialogues of Lila Ramayana. The aim of Gunanand was that ramlila is played in Garhwali language than in the Khadi Boli of Radheshyam bachak. Gunanand has been successful in gaining his objective . The first staging of this Ramayana was started on 23rd November 1977 and ran for twelve days. The Ramlila in Garhwali language became so popular that people came to watch the play for twelve days in the winter night of November too.
Gunanand used Garhwali symbols, images, proverbs, sayings, life style of Garhwal in narrating Ramayana that average Garhwali was attracted to watch the play.
Gunanand Dangwal Pathik is no more with us but his created heritage Gadh Bhasha Lila Ramayana will always remembered in Garhwal and Garhwali literature.

Copyright @ Bhishma Kukreti, Mumbai, India, 2009