Srinagar, Jan 09 (KNS): Kashmir’s foremost poet and Jnanpith awardee, Prof Rehman Rahi was died during the wee hours at his Vicharnag residence in Srinagar on Monday.
A living legend and huge contributor to Kashmiri language and poetry, Rahi has authored almost a dozen books and translations and mentored hundreds of students and scholars. For his contributions to the language, he was honoured with almost every award. Dr Manmohan Singh presented him with the 40th Jnanpith Award as an eminent Kashmiri poet, on November 6, 2008.
Rahi started his career as a PWD clerk in 1948. He was later associated with Khidmat newspaper as a sub-editor. In 1952 he did his masters in Persian and a decade later another master’s in English. For most of his career, he taught at the University of Kashmir.
Most decorated and respected Kashmiri poet, Rahi was awarded the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1961 for his poetic collection Nawroz-i-Saba, the Padma Shri in 2000 and the highest literary award, the Jnanpith Award in 2008 for Siyah Roodeh Jaeren Manz (In Black Drizzle.
Rahi is survived by three sons and a daughter. His wife had already passed away. The funeral prayers will be held at 2 PM on the lawns of the shrine of Khawaja Habibullah Nowshehri.
Senior CPIM leader and PAGD spokesman Muhammad Yousuf Tarigami said that he was one of the most outstanding figures in Kashmiri literature.
"His creative brilliance found expression in various genres of literature. His works reflect cultural & political vicissitudes of Kashmir. They'll continue to influence young bards &writers. Deep condolences," he said.(KNS)