Excelsior Correspondent
ANANTNAG, Nov 7: Sahitya Akademi New Delhi organized a literary programme to commemorate martyr Sarwanand Koul Premi on his birth centenary at Government Model Higher Secondary School (GMHSS) Bijbehara near here, today.
Sarwanand Koul Premi a well-known poet, researcher, freedom fighter, journalist and teacher born in Soaf Shali village of Anantnag district of South Kashmir on November 2 in 1924. Premi achieved fame and became a household name with his writings on the life stories of the saint-poetess Mata Roopa Bhawani, a short biography of saint-poet Swami Mirza-Kak and translating the Bagwat Geeta in 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. He is pioneer in the translation of “Shrimad Bagwat Gita”, in three languages, Urdu, Hindi and Kashmiri.
Premi was brutally killed by armed gunmen on 29 April 1990 along with his young son.
Many stalwarts, reputed writers and literary figures participated in function and threw light on the literary activities of Premi. The function was presided over by famous folklorist, writer, critic and translator, Gh Nabi Aatash, former president, Maraaz Adbee Sangam, Ali Shaida was the chief guest on the occasion. Convener Kashmiri Advisory Borad Sahitya Akademi New Delhi, Prof. Shad Ramzan and Principal Model Higher Secondary Boys, Bijbehara Nasreena also shared the presidium.
Riyaz Anzno and M Shafi Jafri paid poetic tribute to Premi. The function was attended by galaxy of writers including newly elected president Maraaz Adbee Sangam Dr. Mohammad Shafi Ayaz, general secretary Izhar Mubashir, Tanha Shilipuri, Badree Rehman, Iftikhar Anjum, Javid Sagar and faculty members of MHSS Bijbehara. The proceedings of the function were conducted by Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather.
Nasreena presented welcome address. Dr. Gulzar Ahmad Rather Member, Kashmiri Advisory Board Sahitya Akademi delivered introductory remarks on the occasion and threw light on life sketch and literary contribution of Premi. Prof. Shad Ramzan said that it is the practice of Sahitya Akademi to commemorate literary icons and highlight their literary contribution.
Ali Shaida said Prof. Shad Ramzan as convenor Sahitya Akademi Kashmiri Advisory Board gave platform to every writer to prove his/her metal in literature. Riyaz Anznoo said it is writer who represent nation.
Gh Nabi Aatash in his presidential address threw light on the literary contribution of Premi. He said Premi was his teacher. He was social reformer and independence activist. Prof. Shad Ramzan presented vote of thanks.
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