Soaf (Kokarnag-Anantnag-Kashmir), November 02, 2023: The 99th birth anniversary of the esteemed Kashmiri Pandit Martyr, Late Shri Sarwanand Kaul Premi, was joyously celebrated at the premises of the Late Shri Sarwanand Kaul Premi Government Higher Secondary School in Soaf, Kokernag, Anantnag, and at the Vessu PM Package Employee quarters. The event saw a significant turnout of students, teachers, Prime Minister’s Employment Package Employees, and esteemed dignitaries from the education and administration sectors. (Watch Video Here)

According to a press release by the principal of the Late Shri Sarwanand Kaul Premi Government Higher Secondary School (named in honour of the revered Kashmiri Pandit martyr, scholar, and linguist), a multitude of guests attended the function. Notable attendees included representatives from the District Administration, Joint Director of Education (South), Chief Education Officer Anantnag, Sub-Divisional Administration, Tehsil administration, B.D.O Kokernag, Zonal Education Officer Bidder, Principals of local Higher Secondary schools, HOI’s of affiliated Schools of the Cluster Soaf, representatives from Panchayat Raj institutions (B.D.C, D.D.C, Sarpanches, and Panches of the area), representatives of the Pandit community from Mattan and Vessu Camps, senior citizens of the vicinity, members of the Local Auqaf Committees, students of the institutions of Cluster Soaf, and a substantial number of residents from the village.

Staff and students of the institution paid heartfelt tributes to the late Sarwanand Kaul Premi for his invaluable contributions to society at large and the local community. Speakers shed light on his selfless service for the nation and the community, emphasizing his literary contributions, social work, and promotion of brotherhood among different segments of society.

The program also featured an online address by his elder son, Shri Rajinder Kaul Premi, who echoed the message of communal brotherhood and paid homage to several late senior citizens of Breng Kokernag. He expressed gratitude to the esteemed Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, Jinab Syed Fakhru-Ud-Din Hamid (IAS), and Chief Education Officer, Anantnag, Sh. K.K. Badiyal for their efforts and guidance in facilitating this grand celebration. Special thanks were extended to the Principal, staff, and students of the institutions, as well as the district and tehsil administration.

The Principal and staff expressed their gratitude to the representatives of the Pandit Community, acknowledging their heartfelt tribute to their beloved mentor, teacher, religious scholar, educationist, and a legend of his era. The institution conveyed sincere appreciation to the esteemed Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, Chief Education Officer, Anantnag, Joint Director of Education (South), District Administration, Tehsil Administration, public representatives, and media personnel for their unwavering support throughout the event.

The day-long program concluded with a vote of thanks by the worthy Principal of the institution, who pledged to carry forward the mission of the National Hero with unwavering zeal and determination.

A similar program was organized at KP Colony Vessu by the Vessu Welfare Committee. The event commenced promptly at 5 PM near Sharda Mandir, witnessing enthusiastic participation from the residents of Phase 1, 2, and 3 of the colony. Speakers highlighted the significant contributions of late Sarwanand Koul Premi to the community, literature, and society, underlining his unwavering commitment to communal brotherhood. The program concluded with a Shanti Path by the residents.

• Rajinder Premi Extends Gratitude on the Occasion of his Father’s Birth Anniversary Celebration

Meanwhile in a handout issued on the momentous occasion of his illustrious father’s 99th birth anniversary celebration at the Sarwanand Koul Premi Hr Secondary School Soaf Shali, Rajinder Premi expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the District Administration of Anantnag for orchestrating a remarkable tribute function. The school, having been renamed in honor of his father, served as a fitting venue for the grand event that garnered immense participation and support from various dignitaries and attendees.

In a heartfelt statement, Rajinder Premi conveyed his sincere appreciation to all the participants, including the District officers at various levels, whose presence contributed to the success of the prestigious celebration. He extended special thanks to the Chief Education Officer Anantnag for his exemplary coordination and support in making the event a resounding success. Rajinder Premi further acknowledged the valuable contributions of the students, teachers, school staff, Head of the Institution, the principal, the DDO, JD (South), and all the students who actively participated in the program, as well as the fellow citizens who attended the event.

He acknowledged the significant efforts of the members of APWAS (PM Package Employees) from Vessu, Mattan, and Srinagar, whose unwavering presence despite adversities symbolized their unwavering solidarity. He expressed gratitude to the local community for extending a warm welcome to the guests visiting their native place for the first time.

Furthermore, he extended his appreciation to the media personnel, police officials, and all other allied staff for their dedicated and prompt services throughout the event. Rajinder Premi humbly urged the officers, dignitaries, and friends, both young and old, to share their valuable feedback and impressions of the day’s program, emphasizing their joint efforts to enhance and make future initiatives more impactful and result-oriented.

Expressing regret for not being physically present at the birthplace on this momentous day, he assured the attendees that the upcoming birth centenary celebrations of his revered father would be marked by a year-long activity program across various locations in India where Kashmiris reside. The program aims to propagate the principles of peace, love, harmony, compassion, national and international integration, principles that were deeply cherished by the late Sarwanand Kaul Premi, a true son of the soil.