By: Chander M. Bhat
Pandit Sarwanand Koul ‘Premi’ was born in 1924 in the village of Soaf, a small, picturesque hamlet nestled near Hangalgund in the Kokernag area. Growing up in a serene rural setting, Premiji received his early education at the local village school. This early schooling laid the foundation for his intellectual and literary journey, and even from a young age, he showed a keen interest in knowledge and learning. Driven by a passion for education, Premiji pursued higher studies and graduated from Kashmir University, a prestigious institution that further nurtured his academic inclinations. Following his graduation, he continued his academic pursuits, earning a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), which prepared him for his future roles as a teacher and educator. His deep love for language and literature led him to specialize in Hindi, where he obtained both a Master’s degree and Honours in the subject. His proficiency in Hindi, along with his extensive knowledge of Sanskrit, positioned him as a respected figure in literary circles of Kashmir. Premiji’s education not only equipped him with knowledge but also instilled in him a deep sense of cultural pride and intellectual responsibility. Throughout his life, he remained committed to preserving and promoting Kashmiri culture, language, and literature, making significant contributions in the fields of translation, poetry, and biography. His early academic journey from the small village of Soaf to becoming a scholar in Kashmiri, Urdu, Hindi and Sanskrit is a testament to his dedication and passion for lifelong learning. Pandit Sarwanand Koul ‘Premi’ began his career by joining the All India Spinners Association (Khadi Bhandar), an organization closely associated with Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of self reliance and simplicity. Immersed in this environment, Premiji was deeply influenced by Gandhian principles, especially the values of truth, non-violence, and the importance of service to society. These teachings resonated with him, shaping his outlook on life and further deepening his commitment to cultural preservation and literary pursuits.
As a poet with vast knowledge of Kashmiri, Urdu, Sanskrit and Hindi, Premiji had a profound appreciation for literature and its capacity to inspire and elevate human consciousness. One of his most remarkable achievements was the translation of Rabindranath Tagore’s ‘Gitanjali’ into Kashmiri verse. ‘Gitanjali’….a collection of 157 poems….had earned Tagore international acclaim, culminating in his receiving the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 for its English translation, “Song Offerings”. Tagore became the first non-European, first Asian, and the only Indian at the time to be honored with the prestigious award. Premiji, recognizing the universal appeal and spiritual depth of ‘Gitanjali’, undertook the immense task of translating it into Kashmiri, ensuring that the people of Kashmir could experience its beauty in their native language. His Kashmiri rendition, titled ‘Koshur Gitanjali’, was a faithful and poetic translation of each of the 157 poems, retaining the essence and lyrical spirit of Tagore’s original work. It was not merely a literal translation but an artistic endeavor that captured the soul of the poems in the rhythmic flow of Kashmiri verse. The translation was widely appreciated both within and outside the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Scholars, poets, and literary enthusiasts praised ‘Koshur Gitanjali’ for its elegance and authenticity, recognizing Premiji’s effort as a significant contribution to Kashmiri literature. His ability to bridge cultures through the medium of poetry demonstrated his literary prowess and deep understanding of all the three languages…English, Bengali and Kashmiri. In addition to this monumental translation, Premiji authored numerous biographies, further solidifying his role as a preserver of Kashmiri culture and heritage. Some of his notable works include the biographies of prominent Kashmiri saints and spiritual figures, such as ‘Sri Rupa Bhawani’ and ‘Sri Mirza Kak’. Through these writings, Premiji highlighted the lives and contributions of these revered personalities, ensuring their legacy continued to inspire future generations. On one memorable occasion, Premi presented me with a copy of ‘ Koshur Gitanjali’, a gesture that left a lasting impression on me. Holding the book in my hands, I felt not only the weight of his literary achievement but also the depth of his dedication to preserving and promoting Kashmiri language and culture. His work was a living embodiment of his belief in the power of literature to connect people across cultures and to elevate the human spirit.
Through his translations, biographies, and poetry, Pandit Sarwanand Koul ‘Premi’ became a beloved figure in Kashmiri literature, leaving behind a legacy of scholarship and cultural pride that continues to inspire to this day. My first encounter with Pandit Sarwanand Koul ‘Premi’ took place in the serene and contemplative environment of the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Shivalaya library in December,1976. At the time, I was a student, fully absorbed in my studies, and the Ashrama provided a peaceful refuge where I could focus on my academic pursuits. I remember vividly that particular day, the air outside was cold, and the warmth of the library offered a sense of calm. I was seated at a table, engrossed in a Physics book authored by D.S. Mathur. The thick volume, with its complex theories and equations, occupied my full attention when suddenly, I noticed a distinguished figure enter the room. A gentleman wearing a long overcoat (black colour), the kind that shielded him from the winter chill, and a prominent ’tilak’ on his forehead, took a seat directly in front of me. His presence immediately caught my attention….not only because of his dignified appearance but also because there was something serene and captivating about him. After settling in, he noticed me….a young boy deeply engaged with a hefty book. With a soft smile, he initiated a conversation. His voice was calm, and his manner, gentle. He asked me my name and where I lived, expressing genuine interest in my background. What struck me most was that this was not merely casual small talk; there was a warmth and kindness in his tone, as if he truly cared to know me, a young student seeking knowledge. What left an even greater impression on me was how, without hesitation, he recalled exactly when I had started frequenting the Ashrama. “You’ve been coming here since October 1976, haven’t you?” he asked with certainty. I was taken aback by his keen memory, as it was indeed true. It amazed me that despite the number of people who came and went, this gentleman had noticed me and remembered such a specific detail. As our conversation continued, he encouraged me to come to the Ashrama daily. “This is a good place,” he said, with a calm assurance that felt like fatherly advice. He spoke highly of the people at the Ashrama, remarking on their wisdom and good nature. “You will learn a lot from them,” he added, as if the Ashrama was not only a physical space for worship and study but a sanctuary for spiritual and personal growth. His words were comforting, and from that moment, I knew I had met someone truly special.
This was my first meeting with Premiji, and it left a profound impact on me. It wasn’t just an encounter with a learned man but a gentle initiation into a world of deeper understanding and wisdom. Little did I know then that our paths would continue to cross, and this first meeting would become the foundation of a long and meaningful connection. As a daily visitor to the Sri Ramakrishna Ashrama, Shivalaya, the place became a significant part of my routine. I would daily attend the evening Aarti, soaking in the serene atmosphere before heading home, which was conveniently just a stone’s throw away. The Ashrama felt like an extension of my home, a spiritual sanctuary where I found peace and focus. It was during this time that my connection with Pandit Sarwanand Koul ‘Premi’ deepened. Papaji, as I fondly called him, would visit the Ashrama once or twice a month, staying overnight on those occasions. Every time he came, our conversations flowed effortlessly. Despite his vast knowledge and scholarly reputation, he remained approachable and humble, with an air of simplicity that endeared him to everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. He was always soft spoken, with a calm demeanor that reflected his inner peace. His voice carried a kindness that made him easy to talk to, and I always looked forward to these moments of exchange. Our conversations would often revolve around spirituality, literature, and life’s deeper meanings, but it was never limited to any particular subject. He had a natural ability to make every discussion feel enriching, whether we talked about the Ashrama, the teachings of Swami Vivekananda, or even day to day topics. His gentle wisdom was never overbearing but offered with a genuine desire to guide and nurture the minds of those around him. I found myself learning a great deal from him, not just in terms of knowledge but also in how to approach life with grace and humility. Premiji was a true gentleman in every sense of the word….kind, thoughtful, and always considerate of others. His lovable personality drew people towards him, but he never sought attention or recognition. He embodied a quiet strength and wisdom, and despite the brevity of our meetings, they left a lasting impression on me. His presence at the Ashrama brought a unique warmth, and I cherished the times we spent in conversation. This pattern of meeting once or twice a month continued for several years, becoming a cherished routine in my life. However, everything changed in 1982 when I received my appointment at India Post. I was posted to Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, which marked
a significant transition in my life. Though my new job took me away from the Ashrama and our regular meetings, the memories of our conversations with Premiji remained etched in my mind. His influence had become a part of my personal growth, shaping my outlook on life and spirituality. Though our meetings became less frequent after my move, the bond we had formed during those formative years continued to inspire me. His teachings and gentle guidance stayed with me, even as I embarked on this new chapter in my professional life. Premiji’s words and his gentle spirit were like an invisible thread connecting me to the Ashrama, reminding me of the importance of the spiritual path, no matter where life took me.
