Rohit Tikoo
“Jo shakhs ho zinda to phir kya khaak marta hai, Hunar ke saath insaan amar ho jaata hai”—These words by Josh Malihabadi, remind us that a person’s legacy lives on through their art and values. For Sarvanand Kaul Premi, a celebrated poet, scholar, and activist, these words aptly describe his enduring influence. Despite his tragic death alongside his son, Virender Kaul, his memory and contributions remain alive, shedding light on the value of intellectual freedom, social harmony, and human resilience.
Sarvanand Kaul Premi was born on November 2, 1924, in Soaf Shali, a village near Kokernag in Anantnag District, Kashmir. Losing his mother at the tender age of four, Premi was raised by his father, Gopi Nath, a deeply spiritual figure. This environment cultivated in him a reverence for religious texts and spirituality, fostering a foundation of wisdom and resilience that would later define his legacy.
Premi’s father, Gopi Nath, infused their home with spirituality, dedicating his time to religious studies and the company of holy men. This influence profoundly shaped young Premi, who grew up absorbing teachings that he would later reflect in his own writings, blending spirituality with social thought.
After completing his education, Premi joined Khadi Bhandar, working within Gandhi’s Swadeshi movement. This work put him in touch with national freedom fighters, including Mahatma Gandhi himself, who inspired him with the ideals of non-violence. Premi became active in mobilizing local communities for India’s independence, courageously leading protests even under the threat of British repression.
During the freedom struggle, Premi met the renowned poet Mahjoor, a pivotal figure in Kashmiri literature. This encounter inspired Premi to embrace his poetic talents, giving birth to his celebrated works and solidifying his role in Kashmiri literary history. Mahjoor’s encouragement led to the creation of “Roodha Jehri” (Rain Spell), a poem that would become iconic.
Throughout his life, Premi actively promoted interfaith harmony. Amid rising tensions in Kashmir, he played a mediating role between Hindu and Muslim communities. His efforts to foster communal peace became increasingly significant as violence and mistrust grew, highlighting his belief in unity and shared cultural heritage.
The volatile political landscape of 1986 saw Ghulam Mohammad Shah’s government stoking religious tensions, leading to widespread communal violence. Premi tirelessly worked to mitigate hostilities and foster understanding. Despite the challenges, he emerged as a figure of peace, advocating for coexistence.
On April 28, 1990, extremists raided Premi’s home, looted it, and abducted him along with his son, Virender. Days later, their tortured bodies were found, marking a dark chapter in Kashmir’s history. This tragedy not only devastated Premi’s family but also underscored the brutality faced by intellectuals and activists during that era.
Premi’s intellectual versatility shines through his extensive body of work as a poet, writer, translator, and activist. Notably, he translated Tagore’s Gitanjali into Kashmiri, bridging linguistic and cultural gaps. His translation of Hindu epics like the Bhagavad Gita and Ramayana into Kashmiri and Urdu reflects his commitment to making religious texts accessible to a broader audience.
Premi’s contributions were widely recognized both during his life and posthumously. Honors include:
- A 1997 Gold Medal from the Jammu & Kashmir Government
- The 2001 Sarvanand Kaul Premi Gold Medal
- The 2017 Alakh Saman Award
These accolades celebrate his work as an intellectual who fostered cultural unity and understanding.
Premi’s works, such as Kalami Premi, Bhakti Kusum, and biographies of local figures, reflect his dedication to preserving Kashmir’s cultural heritage. His translations, especially Gitanjali, introduced Kashmiris to global literary treasures, while his original poetry highlighted the region’s social and cultural tapestry.
Premi’s elder son, Rajinder Kaul, has devoted his life to preserving his father’s legacy, working to republish his works despite numerous challenges, including a declining readership and lack of institutional support. Rajinder’s determination serves as a powerful testament to his father’s enduring impact on Kashmiri culture.
In 1994, Rajinder Kaul petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding the plight of Kashmiri Pandits. His efforts led to the recognition of the genocide and marked the beginning of a decades-long pursuit of justice for displaced Pandit families.
Sarvanand Kaul Premi’s life is an inspiring narrative of resilience, intellectual depth, and social advocacy. His contributions transcend his life, continuing to offer guidance on cultural understanding and interfaith harmony. Premi’s legacy reminds us of the essential role that artists, intellectuals, and humanists play in bridging divides and fostering peace. His story illuminates the path to a more inclusive and compassionate society in a world still wrestling with cultural tensions.
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