Onlykashmir.in News Desk
Bijbehara, Nov 2: To honor the 100th birth anniversary of Sarwanand Koul Premi, an esteemed Kashmiri poet, translator, and social reformer, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, hosted a commemorative literary event at Government Model Higher Secondary School in Bijbehara. Premi, born in Soaf Shali, Anantnag, on November 2, 1924, made significant contributions to Kashmiri literature with works like Kalami-Premi, Rooda-jery, and his widely acclaimed translation of the Bhagavad Gita into Kashmiri, Urdu, and Hindi. His life was cut short in 1990 when he was killed by gunmen.
The event was presided over by prominent folklorist, critic, and translator Gh. Nabi Aatash, who spoke of Premi as a teacher and social reformer, recalling his work aiding distressed families across religious communities. Ali Shaida, former president of Maraaz Adbee Sangam, served as the chief guest, while Prof. Shad Ramzan, Convenor of the Sahitya Akademi’s Kashmiri Advisory Board, and Principal Nasreena Ji of Model Higher Secondary Boys Bijbehara also shared the presidium. Riyaz Anzno and M. Shafi Jafri delivered poetic tributes to Premi.
Literary luminaries, including Dr. Mohammad Shafi Ayaz, newly elected president of Maraaz Adbee Sangam, General Secretary Izhar Mubashir, Tanha Shilipuri, Badree Rehman, Iftikhar Anjum, and Javid Sagar, were present, along with faculty from the school. Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather, member of the Sahitya Akademi’s Kashmiri Advisory Board, opened the event with an introduction to Premi’s life and literary contributions, noting Akademi’s dedication to preserving the region’s literary heritage.
In her welcome address, Principal Nasreena Ji emphasized the importance of such programs in nurturing a love for literature among students. Riyaz Anznoo spoke on the role of writers in representing society, while Prof. Shad Ramzan highlighted Sahitya Akademi’s ongoing commitment to regional languages and literature, crediting the Akademi for promoting many emerging writers and poets.
In his address, chief guest Ali Shaida thanked the Sahitya Akademi for celebrating regional icons like Premi, noting Prof. Ramzan’s contributions to providing a platform for young literary voices. Gh. Nabi Aatash, in his closing remarks, spoke of Premi’s legacy as a teacher, activist, and pioneer in translating sacred texts, describing him as a guiding force for social reform.
The program concluded with Prof. Shad Ramzan’s vote of thanks, honoring Premi’s lasting impact on Kashmiri literature and his enduring legacy as a symbol of cultural and social unity.
