J&K Celebrates Legacy of Slain Kashmiri Pandit Poet Sarwanand Koul Premi on his 34th Martyrdom Anniversary Amidst Ongoing Struggle for Justice

Jammu, May 1, 2024: A poignant commemoration of Amar Shaheed Sarwanand Koul Premi’s 34th Martyrdom Day was held today at the K L Saigal Hall, Writer’s Club, Jammu. The event, organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), saw glowing tributes paid to the renowned freedom fighter, scholar, and poet, who was brutally murdered by militants in 1990 along with his son, Virender Koul.

The event, attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Principal Secretary Culture Suresh Kumar Gupta, Secretary JKAACL Sanjeev Rana, and former VC of Central University Allahabad Dr. Rattan Lal Hangloo, amongst other dignitaries and enthusiasts, served as a stark reminder of the plight of Kashmiri Pandits who faced forced exodus and violence in the 1990s.

During his address, the Chief Secretary emphasized the importance of honoring the legacy of Premi by following his path in true spirit. He highlighted the significance of recognizing and celebrating the contribution of artists and poets towards preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the region.

The session commenced with an address by Rajinder Premi followed by Principal Secretary Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta and Secretary JKAACL, Sanjeev Rana, who offered high tribute to the literary legend, Amar Shaheed Sarwanand Koul Premi.

Rajinder Premi, son of the slain poet, delivered a powerful address, demanding the preservation of literature documenting the pain of Kashmiri Pandit migration. He also urged for increased relief and the extension of Ayushman Card benefits to all Kashmiri Pandit migrants across the country.

The event served as a platform to highlight the ongoing struggle for justice faced by the Premi family and other victims of terrorism. As the JKAACL celebrated Sarwanand Koul Premi’s literary legacy, the NHRC’s recent order criticizing the J&K administration’s apathy towards the family’s plight cast a long shadow. The order, issued just weeks prior, slammed the government’s “considerable delay” in implementing a 2012 SHRC decision recommending compensation and relief for the family.

Despite the somber backdrop, the event also served as a celebration of Premi’s life and work. Distinguished scholars, including Professor P N Trisal, delved into a comparative analysis of Sarwanand’s translation of Bhagwat Gita alongside other translators, while Vinod Kumar Pandita presented a poignant paper titled ‘Sarwanand Koul Premi: A Poet of Love and Harmony’, and R L Jowhar shared ‘views of different scholars, critics and writers about Premi’ in Kashmiri. Professor Rattan Lal Hangloo, former VC of Allahabad University, shed light on the literary accomplishments of Sarwanand Koul Premi. Professor Rattan Lal Shant presided over the session while Arwind Karwani, Commissioner Relief and Rehabilitation, graced the event as chief guest.

A captivating poetry session featuring renowned poets including B N Betab, P N Shad, and A K Naaz, Santosh Shah Nadaan, J K Bezaan, Ashok Gowhar, B N Abhilash, Dolly Tickoo, Moti Lal Masroof, Tej Sagar, Dildar Mohan, Rajinder Agosh, Vijay Wali, and Kusum Dhar, who mesmerized the audience with their poignant verses, further enriched the commemoration. A musical tribute to Premi’s poetry served as a fitting finale to the event.

While the J&K administration commemorated Premi’s legacy, the unresolved issue of justice and the NHRC’s critical order served as a stark reminder of the challenges that remain. The Premi family’s continued struggle for closure and the larger fight for the rights of Kashmiri Pandit migrants remain pertinent issues demanding attention and action.

The event also recognized the outstanding contributions of prominent figures in art, literature, and music, with awards bestowed upon Prof Rattan Lal Shant for his exceptional work in literature, Shri Prem Nath Shad for his remarkable contributions to poetry, and Dr. Deepali Wattal for her captivating vocal artistry.