Anchor and media secretary Harke Adav Sonawali, Azhar Hajini said in a tribute to Professor Rahi: Young people like me who work for the promotion of Kashmiri literature have always admired prominent figures in Kashmiri literature like Professor Rahman Rahi. he is our pride Kashmir owes him. We owe him a lot. ”
In his parting words, Kashmiri actor Bihari Kak said: His death left a void in the literary world. I was honored to be part of the team that interviewed him at his residence in Srinagar in 1996-1997. ”
Early life and education
Professor Rahi’s original name was Abdur Rehman Mir. He was born in Srinagar in 1925. He was educated at Islamiyah High School in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir University where he graduated first in Persian and then in English Literature. Shortly after he was appointed as a public university lecturer. A few years later, Rahi enrolled in the Persian Department of Kashmir University (KU). Prior to that, he also worked as a cleric in the power development sector and his first assignment was in the Balamulla district of North Kashmir. In 1977 he joined the newly established Kashmiri Language Department at his KU and taught there until his retirement.
Rahi has been drawn to poetry since childhood, but began writing poetry under the influence of the progressive writers’ movement. In his early works of poetry, he appears as an idealist romantic, striving for a perfect world in which all his youthful passions are fulfilled. His poetry collection Nouroz-i Saba bears the imprint of a mixture of progressive ideology and romantic aspirations.
awards and honors
Professor Rahi won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961 for his collection of poetry Nouroz-i-Saba, the Padma Shri in 2000, and the Jnanpith Award (2004), India’s highest literary award, in 2007. ) was awarded.
He was the first Kashmiri writer to win India’s highest literary award, Jnanpith, for his book of poetry Siyah Rood Jaeren Manz (In Black Drizzle).
In 2000, he was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Fellowship by Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi.
Professor Rahi is a living legend whose poetry and other literary works represent the traditions, culture and spirit of Kashmir.
His poems are sung by almost every famous singer and are passed down through generations.
“Today, Kashmiri literature has lost another legend. Former BBC broadcaster Nayeema Mehjoor said.
Renowned author and journalist Mirza Waheed said in his condolences: If the same thing happens in Kashmir, what is Rahman Rahi, Dina Nath Nadim, or Mejor? The light has gone out, may your words live long among us, Rahi – Saeb. ”
