Sahitya Akademi Honors Sarwanand Koul Premi on His Birth Centenary

Anantnag, November 7, 2024: Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, organized a day-long literary program to commemorate the birth centenary of renowned Kashmiri poet, researcher, journalist, and teacher Sarwanand Koul Premi at the Government Model Higher Secondary School Bijbehara, Anantnag.

Born on November 2, 1924, in the Soaf Shali village of Anantnag district, Premi achieved fame for his writings on the life stories of saint-poetess Mata Roopa Bhawani and saint-poet Swami Mirza-Kakji, as well as for his translation of the Bhagwat Geeta into Kashmiri. His other works include “Kalami-Premi,” “Paymai-Premi,” “Rooda-jery,” “Oosh-ta-vosh,” “Mahjoor-t-Kashir,” “Russi Padshah Katha,” “Hamara Mahjoor,” “Kashmir ki Bettie,” and he was a pioneer in translating the “Shrimad Bhagwat Gita” into Urdu, Hindi, and Kashmiri.

Premi was tragically killed by armed gunmen on April 29, 1990.

The program featured tributes from numerous prominent writers and literary figures, including renowned folklorist, writer, critic, and translator Gh Nabi Aatash, who presided over the function. Former president of Maraaz Adbee Sangam, Ali Shaida, was the chief guest. Prof. Shad Ramzan, Convenor of the Kashmiri Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi New Delhi, and Nasreena Ji, Principal of Model Higher Secondary School Bijbehara, also graced the presidium.

Riyaz Anzno and M Shafi Jafri paid poetic tributes to Premi. The function was attended by a galaxy of writers, including newly elected president of Maraaz Adbee Sangam, Dr. Mohammad Shafi Ayaz, General Secretary Izhar Mubashir, Tanha Shilipuri, Badree Rehman, Iftikhar Anjum, Javid Sagar, and faculty members of the Model Higher Secondary School Bijbehara. Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather conducted the proceedings.

Nasreena Ji presented a welcome address, emphasizing that such programs help cultivate a love for literature among students. Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather, Member of the Kashmiri Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi, delivered introductory remarks, highlighting Premi’s life and literary contributions. Prof. Shad Ramzan spoke about Sahitya Akademi’s practice of commemorating literary icons and showcasing their work.

Ali Shaida thanked Sahitya Akademi for organizing the event and promoting regional languages. He lauded Prof. Shad Ramzan for providing a platform for writers to showcase their talents, discovering many young poets and fiction writers. Riyaz Anznoo stated that writers are the representatives of the nation.

Gh Nabi Aatash, in his presidential address, shed light on Premi’s literary contributions, fondly recalling him as his teacher. He emphasized Premi’s role as a social reformer and independence activist, noting his contributions to helping distressed Muslim families. Aatash also mentioned compiling an anthology on Premi’s works.

In the concluding session, Prof. Shad Ramzan presented a vote of thanks.

The event served as a fitting tribute to Sarwanand Koul Premi, celebrating his life and legacy as a prominent figure in Kashmiri literature and a champion of social justice.