Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Glowing tributes were paid to veteran freedom fighter, poet, writer and a great social activist, Sarwanand Koul Premi and his son on their 29th martyrdom day at a function held at K L Sehgal Hall here, today .
Popularly known as Premi -a staunch nationalist and his son Varinder Koul attained martyrdom on this day in 1991 after both father son duo was kidnapped by the terrorists from village Soaf Shali in Kokernag tehsil of Anantnag district and later their dead bodies were thrown on road after a great torture.
Brij Lal Bhat retired Justice was the chief guest on the occasion while T. K. Bhat Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (M) was the guest of honour. Swami Kumar Ji also shared the presidium.
The welcome address was read by Rajinder Premi eldest son of late Premi.
A vocal leader Premi had mustered courage in condemning terrorism which gripped the Valley in 1989 through his articles published in various news papers of the Valley. He tried to motivate public opinion against the marauders of democracy and humanity and asked people to stand against them by keeping alive the traditions of pluralism and secularism which nurtured Kashmir for centuries together. This way he became an eyesore for terrorists who silenced his voice once for all.
The speakers while paying tributes to Premi said he has authored more than two dozen books, which include translation of world famous Geetanjali, Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, Ramayan, Russian folk tales etc into Kashmiri. Started his career with “All India Spinners Association”, started by Mahatma Gandhi, got influenced by Gandhian Philosophy and was involved in Freedom Movement. He remained underground at the age of 17 during “Quit India Movement”, 1942. He took active part in “Quit Kashmir Movement 1946” and was arrested dozens of times. Premi ceaselessly worked and profusely wrote for communal harmony, national integration and universal brotherhood.
Dr. Rattan Talashi and Vijay Wali read papers on Premi’s life and contributions.
Those who paid tributes included Dr. Arvinder Singh Amn, Additional Secretary, Academy of Art Culture and Languages, Ashok Gowhar, Jagar Nath Sagar, Prof. P. N. Trisal, Chand Ji Bhat, editor of Milchar (Mumbai), Prof. B. L. Zutshi, K. K. Khosa president K.P Sabha Jammu, Ramesh Hangloo CEO, Radio Shardha, R. K. Bhat, president YAIKS, B. L. Bhat Ex. MLC, M. K. Yogi, Ashok Kangan, A. K. Raina etc.
Engineer Vinod Kumar conducted the proceedings and vote of thanks was presented by Aryan Ramesh.
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