Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 1: To mark the 35th death anniversary of the eminent poet, freedom fighter and cultural icon Sarwanand Koul Premi, the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages organized a literary meet, here today.
The event was graced by Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary, J&K, as the chief guest, with Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Department of Culture, and Prof Ratan Lal Hangloo, former Vice Chancellor of Allahabad University, attending as guests of honour.
The program commenced with floral tribute offered by the dignitaries in honour of Sarwanand Koul Premi, paying homage to his multifaceted contributions to literature and society.
Atal Dulloo highlighted Premi’s unparalleled legacy as a literary luminary and a symbol of social harmony and resistance. “He was a voice of resistance and unity, embodying truth, duty, and deep humanism,” said the Chief Secretary. Quoting Dr Sohan Lal, he added: “Death is not an end but a transformation – what is true lives on forever.”
Brij Mohan Sharma, in his address, underlined the importance of preserving and promoting the ideals Premii stood for, especially in today’s context of cultural resurgence.
Prof Ratan Lal Hangloo lauded Sarwanand Koul Premi’s commitment to inclusive values and intellectual integrity. He stressed the need for young scholars to revisit the works of such towering figures to understand the interplay of literature, activism, and cultural identity.
Earlier, Harvinder Kour, Secretary, JKAACL, spoke on the inspirational life of Sarwanand Koul Premi, emphasizing his enduring impact on the cultural ethos of Jammu and Kashmir.
The literary session featured a detailed paper presentation by Dr Sohan Lal Koul, shedding light on various dimensions of Premi’s literary oeuvre . Avtar Mota also presented a paper, exploring Premi’s life as a social activist, poet, and visionary thinker.
The event also included a Mushaira, where celebrated poets including Ashok Gowher, Dr Ramesh Nirash, Satish Koul, Santosh Nadam, B K Sanyasi, Kusum Dhar, Rajni Bahar Dhar, and Maharaj Krishan Bhat recited poems paying tribute to the legacy of Sarwanand Koul Premi.
The vote of thanks was presented by Dr Javaid Rahi, Divisional Head, JKAACL, Jammu while the program was conducted by Kusum Tiku.
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