J&K Cultural Academy Honours Sarwanand Koul Premi on 35th Death Anniversary
Tributes Paid to Renowned Freedom Fighter, Scholar, and Poet; Legacy of Communal Harmony Celebrated
Jammu, May 01, 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages (JAKAACL) paid glowing tributes to Sarwanand Koul Premi and his son Virender Koul on the 35th anniversary of their martyrdom. The event, held at the K. L. Saigal Hall, Writers Club, Jammu, commemorated the life and work of Premi, a veteran freedom fighter, academician, and noted Kashmiri poet and author, who was assassinated on this day in 1990.
The function, described as both somber and impressive, drew a diverse gathering of poets, writers, intellectuals, and community members. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, IAS, served as the chief guest, while Prof. Rattan Lal Hangloo (former V.C. Allahabad University) and Brij Mohan Sharma, IFS (Principal Secretary, Culture Department, UT J&K Government), were guests of honor. Harvinder Kour, JKAS (Secretary, JAKAACL), and Rajinder Premi, the eldest son of Sarwanand Koul Premi, also shared the dais with other dignitaries.
The Secretary of JAKAACL welcomed the dignitaries and the audience, highlighting Premi’s significant contributions as both a literary figure and a freedom fighter. She emphasized JAKAACL’s commitment to annually honouring Premi’s memory.
Rajinder Premi, in his address, spoke about his father’s multifaceted personality and lifelong dedication to humanitarian service. He also paid homage to the victims of various massacres targeting the Kashmiri Pandit community.
Dr. Sohan Lal Koul delivered a comprehensive paper in Kashmiri, focusing on Premi’s contributions to Kashmiri language and literature, and praising his commitment to secularism and Gandhian philosophy. He emphasized Premi’s pioneering translations of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Gitanjali, and the Ramayana.
Brij Mohan Sharma highlighted his own impression of Premi’s multidimensional personality, discovered through online research. He stated his department’s willingness to actively promote Premi’s message of harmony and brotherhood. Prof. Rattan Lal Hangloo spoke briefly about his former teacher and urged the J&K government to fully recognize Premi’s literary and other contributions.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo detailed Premi’s mastery of various fields and his profound literary and cultural works promoting peace and amity. He assured the audience that the government would strive to preserve Premi’s legacy.
Autar Mota’s paper illuminated Premi’s pioneering role in the freedom struggle, his authorship of over three dozen books, and his close association with renowned Kashmiri poet Mehjoor.
The second session featured poetic tributes from several acclaimed poets, presided over by Dr. Arvind Karwani (Relief Commissioner, J&K Government) and Sanjeev Rana, JKAS (Additional Secretary, JAKAACL). Poets including Ashok Gowhar, Balmukund Sanyasi, Satish Safeer, Santosh Shah Nadan, Kusum Shardha, Rajni Dhar Bahar, Dr. Ramesh Nirash, Dr. Roshan Saraf, and Maharaj Krishen offered poignant tributes.
Dr. Arvind Karwani’s presidential address underscored the need to continue Premi’s mission of promoting peace and harmony across the UT. Books authored by Premi were presented as tokens of appreciation to Dr. Sohan Lal Koul, Avtar Mota, and Kusum Tickoo (who anchored the program). The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Javid Rahi.
