In a time when societies around the world grapple with polarisation and narrowing spaces for dialogue, the just-concluded Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar has offered a refreshing and much-needed platform for open exchange of ideas. It has brought together book lovers, young minds, writers, scholars and thinkers under one canopy of knowledge, debate and cultural celebration.
For Kashmir, a land of deep intellectual traditions, this festival has has been a reaffirmation of our collective yearning for informed discussion and creative expression. The themes explored, from culture and environment to economy and jobs, resonate with the pressing realities of our time. They encourage us to think critically about the challenges we face and the paths we must take.
What sets the Chinar Book Festival apart is its spirit of inclusivity. India, including Kashmir, is celebrated for its unity of diversity. This festival has welcomed participants from diverse backgrounds, mirroring the social and cultural richness of Kashmir. Young people, often deprived of opportunities to engage directly with accomplished personalities, have here been able to interact, question and absorb insights from seasoned experts. Such exposure is invaluable, shaping perspectives and inspiring confidence in the leaders of tomorrow.
Moreover, the festival has nurtured a democratic space of inquiry, a forum where ideas are tested, contested and enriched through dialogue. This, in essence, reflects the best of India’s democratic and secular ethos — values for which our nation is celebrated globally. In Kashmir, where conversations often remain confined to the urgent and the political, such a platform reminds us of the beauty and necessity of cultural and intellectual pursuits.
The Chinar Book Festival has shown that literature and ideas can bridge divides, deepen understanding and empower communities. It deserves to be celebrated, expanded and institutionalised as an annual tradition in the Valley. In doing so, we not only honour Kashmir’s literary heritage but also contribute to the strengthening of India’s vibrant democratic and secular spirit.
