DEWANKHAN

There is an ocean of memories connected with
Dewankhan at Badiyar Bala.
When I do the " Manthan" ( churning)
of this ocean, I find so many Gems
and jewels ; scholars and literary
luminaries whose contributions I
always wish to share with you.

Today, the gentleman who comes to
my mind is an Educationist, a Media
Expert, Communicator, Producer and
Director. He is a Script Writer and an
Author. Yes, you are right ! I am
talking about Sh.M.K.Raina Ratnakar.

Mr. Ratnakar ( born Dec. 1949 ) and
my youngest uncle, Mr. Tej Krishan
did their Post graduation during the same time from Kashmir University.
Tej was senior by one year . Their
friendship continued even after they
left the University. Both of them
followed their own pursuits and
careers .
In the later years my uncle Prof.(Dr.)
M.K.Raina was a regular invitee and
participant in Mr. Ratnakar's
programmes at AIR , Srinagar and
Jammu. Mr.Ratnakar's family became our extended family when
my sister's daughter , Neha got
married to his son, Satyan in October,
2009. Both live with their children in The United States.

Mr.Ratnakar studied in Central High
School and S.P.H.S.School.
He graduated from S.P.College in the
year 1973.
He did his Post Graduation in
Chemistry and Masters in Educational Psychology from The
Kashmir University. After serving as
Lecturer for sometime,
He got selected as Programme Exec.
through UPSC in 1975
In April, 1977 he joined AIR( Radio
Kashmir, Srinagar ) and worked in
Sgr., Jammu and Leh centres. For
more than a decade with AIR,
Innovation has been the hall mark of
his work in the planning, preparation
and presentation of educational
programmes and programmes for
the youth.
From AIR, he was transferred to the
New Delhi head quarters of Door
Darshan as Deputy Controller Of
Programmes.
Later, he was posted as Director at
various Kendras including Jammu.
Thereafter he was again transferred
to DD headquarters, New Delhi and
was promoted to the NFSG grade of
Director Of Programmes ( presently
known as Deputy Director General ).
He retired from services in Dec.2009.

In AIR ,Mr. Ratnakar was associated
with a number of programmes.
In DD, he looked after National Channel, Kashir Channel and North
East Channel.
During his service period only, he
completed his Masters degree in
English Literature.
What an impressive academic and
service track record !!

Now, about his literary pursuits and
contribution ;

Mr.Ratnakar has written, produced
and directed a number of serials for
Doordarshan.
He is primarily an author of English
Language.Almost all the books
written by him are in in English
Language. Long back, he wrote a
novel, " Kashm Kash " in Urdu.
His novel , " Intruded Moorings " has
a Kashmir perspective and has been
well received and acclaimed in the
literary circles. The novel has been
published by Utpal Publications in
Delhi. His other books are;
" Success and achievement of the
child ".
" Surreal moments "(available on line
from Amazon )
" Learn and master spoken English
skills "
He also writes for Kashmir web
magazine, " Shehjar " though his
articles are in English language.

In the realm of education, his guidanance on the matters of
education for children and youth
is highly valued.
Being gifted with the traits befitting
an artist of superior stuff, organising
various events, producing and directing plays for rural and urban
audiences both on stage and the
electronic media has displayed his
inimitable talent. Ratnakar Sahab's
plays make you laugh aloud while
some one inside feels crying.
He lives in Paschim Vihar, New Delhi.

These days Mr. M.K.Raina and his
wife, Lalita ji are in The United States
to spend some time with their elder
son and his family. His younger son,
Mr. Chintan works in Bangaluru and
lives there with his family.

During our recent telecon chat, I asked him about his current project.
He says,
" Now that I will stay here for quite
some time, I am enjoying the company of my family. The weather
here in N.J is pleasantly cool and
the company of my grand children
Keep my energies rejuvinated. I am having a nice time and also working
on some books and articles "

During my long association with
Ratnakar Sahab, I always found him
very affable, warm and affectionate.
It has always been a pleasure to
interact with him.

I wish Mr. M.K.Raina Ratnakar ,
A long, healthy, blissful life and
many many decades of literary
works !!
So far so much. Till the next,
Stay blessed !!
( Sudesh Raina )