Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: Glowing tributes were paid to veteran freedom fighter, well known academician and noted Kashmiri Poet and Author, Sarwanand Kaul Premi and his son Virender Koul on their 28th Martyrdom Day today.
In this connection a function was organized at K L Sehgal Hall here by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Cultural and Languages.
It was on this day that Premi and his fell to the bullets of terrorists in Kashmir. Premi, had authored over two dozen books, which include translation of world famous Geetanjali, Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta, Ramayan, Russian folk tales etc into Kashmiri. He started his career with “All India Spinners Association”, started by Mahatma Gandhi. He 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. Arvinder Singh Amn, Additional Secretary of the Academy read the welcome address.Dr. Rattan Talashi read out an exhaustive paper in Kashmiri, highlighting Late Premi’s contribution to the Kashmiri language and literature in particular.
Professor P. N. Trisal in his paper shed light on Premi’s pioneering role during freedom struggle. He gave an overview of Premi’s two highly acclaimed works i,e Urdu version of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta and Kashur Ramayana and attributed them as the best and unique works.
Ravi Bhan and his party enthralled the audience by singing a couple of bhajans and ghazals of Late Sarwanand Koul Premi.
Dr. Rattan Lal Shant who presided over the function threw light on life and teachings of Late Premi and highlighted his social, cultural and literary works.
Bal Krishan Shanyasi, J. K. Koul Bezan and Ashok Gowhar read out their poetical tribute to the legendary poet.
As a mark of respect two minutes silence was observed and the speakers pledged to keep his message of peace friendship and religious tolerance going on. Rajinder Premi, the son of Late Premi along with other family members was also present on this occasion.
Pran Pandita conducted the proceedings and the vote of thanks was presented by Rajinder Premi.
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