- He was recently one of Kashmir’s most influential poets: LG
- He is a towering literary personality. There is an unfillable void in Kashmiri literature and society: Mehbooba
- He will be remembered for his outstanding contributions as a poet and critic who enriches Kashmiri language and literature in profound ways: Omar
Srinagar: Renowned poet and Kashmir’s first Jnanpith recipient, Professor Rehman Rahi, died here on Monday.
he was 98 years old.
“Rahi passed away early in the morning at his residence in the city’s Nowshera district,” an official said.
Born on May 6, 1925, Rahi has written several collections of poetry and translated works of famous poets in other languages into Kashmiri.
He won the Jnanpith Award, the country’s highest literary award, in 2007 for his collection “Siyah Rood Jaeren Manz” (In Black Drizzle). He also won the Padma Shri Award for his work in 2000.
Rahi won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961 for her poetry collection Nawroz-i-Saba.
He translated the works of Baba Farid into Kashmiri and the influence of Dina Nath Naadim was evident in his early works.
Rahi’s death was widely mourned in Kashmir, with Deputy Governor Manoj Sinha calling his death “the end of an era”.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Rehman Rahi, one of Kashmir’s most influential poets and Jnanpith laureates in recent years. His death marks the end of an era. My deepest condolences to his family, friends and supporters,” Sinha tweeted.
Former Prime Minister and PDP President Mehbooba Mufti also mourned Rahi’s death.
“I am saddened to hear the sad passing of towering literary magnate and Gampace Award winner Zinab Rehman Rahi. His death left a void in Kashmiri literature and society that could never be filled. My condolences to the family,” he tweeted.
Former Prime Minister of J&K Omar Abdullah said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of legendary Kashmiri poet and lyricist Rahman Rahi Sahib. He will be remembered for his outstanding contributions as an enriching critic in profound ways.With his memorable progressive poetry, he left an indelible mark on the minds of the people.Today, Kashmir’s literary world. has suffered a great loss. His death marks the end of an era.”
“Rehman Rahi was one of the most prominent figures in Kashmiri literature. His creative genius was expressed in various genres of literature. They will continue to influence young bards and writers. My deepest condolences,” CPI(M) leader MY Tarigami tweeted.
