Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Glowing tributes were paid to Sarwanand Kaul Premi and his son Virender Koul on their 23rd martyrdom day at a function organized by Cultural Academy here today.
Minister of Housing, Horticulture and Culture, Raman Bhalla was chief guest on the occasion while Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Tourism and Culture Atul Duloo was the guest of honor and Savita Bakshi presided over the programme.
The function was attended by a galaxy of intellectuals, poets and thinkers.
On the occasion Kashmiri translation of Ramayan by late Premi was released by Mr Bhalla and Dullo. The book was published by Rajinder Premi son of Mr Premi.
Paying rich tributes to Premi, Mr Bhalla recalled his services to the society and said that he was a great personality who was popular among Hindus and Muslims as well.
He said Mr Premi and his son became the victims of the terrorism which came like a storm and uprooted many families in the State. Some great personalities who were precious for the society were snatched from us by the storm and Premi was one among them.
He said the late scholar preached love and brotherhood and so he was called Premi by the people. He expressed the hope that his family will publish the unpublished works of Mr Premi so that his message reaches every nook and corner of the State.
While commenting on the translation of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta and Ramayana by Premi he said that these sacred books teach us about discipline, morality, character building and selfless service to the mankind. By merely publishing the books is not enough but “we have to act upon their teachings and make our life disciplined”, he added.
He said that this will be a road map for a change and the day is not far away when the Pandits will again live in Kashmir with peace and complete harmony.
Paying tributes to Mr Premi, Atul Dullo said the late scholar gave many gifts to the society. Highlighting his contributions he said Premi Ji has written dozen of books in Hindi, Kashmiri, Urdu etc and besides translating Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta and Ramayana, he also translated the Tagore’s Geetanjali.
He said Premi Ji was contemporary of great Kashmiri poets Azad and Mehjoor who enlightened thousands of people through his knowledge.
Earlier Dr R L Bhat and Prof R L Shant read detailed papers on Premi highlighting his literary contributions. They said Premi was a progress writer and poet who gained popularity in entire Valley during a short span of his life and termed the translation of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, Ramayana and other books as his great contribution. By doing so Premi wanted to make these books understandable by common Kashmiri, they added.
A poem in praise of Mr Premi was read by P N Shad while Rajesh Khar and party sung two songs written by late Premi.
Savita Bakshi proposed vote of thanks while Rajinder Premi detailed about the works of Mr Premi to be published by the family.
The programme was compered by Jai Krishan Bezan.
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