Srinagar, Jan 09 (KNS): The editor of the Kashmir News Service (KNS), Mohammad Aslam Bhat expressed his grief over the demise of Rehman Rahi who was Kashmir’s legendary poet. He died on Monday at the age of 98. He was a noted poet and was awarded the Jnanpith Award in 2004
Rahi’s original name is Abdur Rehman Mir. Born in Srinagar in 1925, he did his masters in Persian. He also has masters in English literature from the University of Kashmir. He joined the Department of Persian at the University of Kashmir as lecturer?
Later in 1977, he joined the newly-established Department of Kashmiri at the University of Kashmir. He taught in the department of Kashmiri till his retirement
The Sahitya Akademi also honoured Rahi with Sahitya Academy Fellowship, India's highest literary honour in 2000. The fellowship was given in recognition for his long contribution to Kashmiri literature and culture. Rahi received Jnanpith (for the year 2004) in 2007 for his literary work. He is the only Kashmiri to win this award ever.
“I am deeply saddened by the demise of legendary Kashmiri poet and lyricist Rahman Rahi sahib. He will be remembered for his pre-eminent contribution as a poet and as a critic enriching Kashmiri language and literature in a profound manner," said Mohammad Aslam bhat.(KNS).