Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Nov 2: The 101st birth anniversary of martyr Sarvanand Kaul Premi, a renowned poet, teacher, freedom fighter and social reformer of was celebrated today at Government Higher Secondary School Soaf Shali, his native village in Kokernag, tehsil of Anantnag district.
The event was attended by MLA Chowdari Zaffar Ali Khatana, SDM Kokernag, Prince Kumar, CEO Anantnag, DPO Anantnag, Assad-Ullah Mir, ZEO Vailoo Bashir Sahil, ZEO Breng, Mohd Iqbal, local dignitaries, school staff, and a large number of students and residents from adjoining areas.
The celebration began with floral tributes to the late poet,. Students presented songs and recited poems dedicated to Premi’s life and teachings.
Dignitaries spoke about his unparalleled dedication to education, equality, and peace, and urged the younger generation to follow his path of compassion, patriotism, and literary pursuit.
In his address, SDM Kokernag Prince Kumar emphasized that “Premi Sahib’s life reminds us that education and tolerance are the strongest foundations of any society.”
The event concluded with a pledge to commemorate November 2 every year as ‘Premi Day’ at Soaf Shali, aimed at promoting literature, unity, and cultural revival.
Born on 2nd November 1924 in Soaf Shali, Kokernag, Sarvanand Kaul Premi was an extraordinary figure in Kashmir’s cultural and literary landscape. A brilliant scholar, he earned a Master’s degree in Hindi, excelling in multiple languages including Kashmiri, Urdu, and English.
He participated actively in the Quit India Movement (1942–46) and was jailed several times for his role in India’s freedom struggle. After Independence, he joined the J&K Education Department in 1954, shaping countless young minds across South Kashmir.
Apart from being an educator, he was a prolific writer, poet and translator. His works include translations of sacred and literary classics such as the Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana, and Gitanjali into the Kashmiri language.
Tragically, in May 1990, Premi and his younger son Virender were abducted and brutally killed by militants — a loss deeply mourned across Kashmir. His sacrifice and ideals continue to inspire generations.
In recognition of his lifelong service to literature and humanity, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.
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