Rahman Rahi becomes first Kashmiri to receive Jnanpith award

New Delhi, Nov 6 (UNI) Rahman Rahi today became the first Kashmiri poet to receive the Jnanpith award, the country's highest literary award.

The poet was presented for the 40th edition of the award by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a function here.

Some of his notable creations include 'Nauroz-e-Saba' 'Sanaweni Saaz' and 'Siyaah-Rooda-Jaren Manz'.

His critical essays in 'Kahwat' (literary criticism) and Baba Fareed (translation) and Seyah Rudi Jerean Manz (collection of Kashmiri poetry) had earned him accolades.

The 83-year-old Rahi has been honoured with many prestigious awards, which include Sahitya Akademi Award and Emeritus fellowship by the Ministry of Human Resources Development and a Padma Shri.

He was selected for the award by a panel comprising noted personalities like Mahashweta Devi, C T Indira, Sitanshu Yashaschandra, Ramakant Rath and Gopi Chand Narang. The panel was chaired by late noted scholar L M Singhvi.

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