Jammu, May 1 (NVI): Glowing tributes were paid to noted scholar and poet Amar Shaheed Sarvanand Koul Premi and his son, martyr Virender Koul, on their 36th martyrdom day at a commemorative event organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) at KL Saigal Hall here on Friday.
Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (Migrants), J&K, Dr Arvind Karwani, attended the programme as the chief guest, while eminent historian Dr Ratan Lal Hangloo presided over the function. Padma Shri awardee B L Bhat was the co-chief guest. Rajinder Premi, son of Sarvanand Koul Premi, was also present on the dais.
Addressing the gathering, Karwani lauded the efforts of Rajinder Premi in preserving and promoting the literary and cultural legacy of Sarvanand Koul Premi. He described the late poet as a symbol of intellectual and artistic excellence and highlighted his contribution to Kashmiri literature and communal harmony.
In his presidential address, Hangloo said that Premi’s writings continue to inspire generations and reflect the composite cultural ethos of Jammu and Kashmir.
Scholarly papers on the life and works of the late litterateur were presented by Dr Sohan Lal Koul and Er Vinod Kumar, who shed light on his literary contributions and philosophical thought.
On the occasion, Piare Hatash, Prof Rattan Talashi and Bal Mukand Sanyasi were honoured for their contributions to literature and society.
A musical segment featured compositions by Kuldeep Sapru and performances by artists including Harshita Pandita, Shivani Joshi, Gandharv Kaloo, Shriya Gurtoo, Simran Gurtoo and Akash Kaul, accompanied by Ashish Gill on tabla, Rakesh Jasotra on flute, Rajeev on dholak, Chandan Kumar on keyboard and Sahil Jasotra on octopad.
The event also included a mushaira in which poets Santosh Shah Nadan, Bal Mukand Sanyasi, Chaman Lal, Piare Hatash, Maharaj Krishan Bhat, Kundan Paras, Kusum Dhar, Ashok Kumar Dhar, Rajinder Aagosh and Ramesh Kumar Bhat recited their works.
The programme was conducted by Vijay Wali, while Rajinder Premi presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to participants and attendees for making the event a success.(NVI)
