Srinagar, Aug 01 (KNO): The second edition of the Chinar Book Festival is all set to commence from tomorrow at SKICC Srinagar. The event will bring together publishers, writers, students and cultural performers from across the country.
“This festival is much more than a literary gathering. It reflects the spirit of learning and cultural pride in Kashmir,” said Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener of the festival as per the details collected by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).
He said that the book festival will unite all writers, readers and thinkers.
Director Information, Nitish Rajora during the Press Conference with regard fest said the Chinar Book Festival at SKICC will be held from August-2 to 10 and is open to all with free entry.
“I invite students and book lovers from across Jammu and Kashmir to join us, read and participate in sessions dedicated to our rich culture and history,” he said.
He added that the festival will feature a variety of sessions, including book discussions and literary talks. “This year, we are highlighting the diverse languages of Jammu and Kashmir, such as Dogri, Kashmiri, Urdu, and others with a strong focus on books written in and about these languages,” Rajora said.
“Cultural activities, along with participation from renowned writers, poets and scholars, will also be an integral part of the event,” he said.
He further mentioned that dedicated sessions for children will be organised to enhance their reading and writing skills in a fun and engaging way.
Notably, the nine-day festival is being organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India is in collaboration with the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and the District Administration Srinagar.
As per details, over 130 publishers and booksellers from across India are participating in the fair. “From ancient scripts to modern publishing, we are creating spaces where heritage and innovation can go hand in hand,” said Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman of NBT.
Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust, said the festival aims to reach more readers, especially the youth. “After the success of the first edition, we have expanded the scope. With more participation and new ideas, we hope to deepen the reading culture in J&K.”
Alongside book stalls, the festival features a national seminar on multilingual and Kashmiri literary traditions, including folk forms like songs, proverbs and Rajanama.
“Chinar Book Festival is a historic initiative that will give a new dimension to the promotion of book culture in J&K,” said Dr. Shams Iqbal, Director, NCPUL. “It fosters harmony among India’s many languages.”
Moreover, evenings at the festival are filled with cultural events including Kashmiri Chakri, Bhand Pather, Mushaira and theatre performances.
Students from institutions such as SKIMS Medical College, NIT Srinagar, Government Dental College and NIFT are also participating. Also, prominent speakers are expected during the festival include Prof. Shakeel Romshoo, Prof. Neelofer Khan, Dr. Suresh Dutt, Mr. Waheed Jeelani and several others from the literary and academic community—(KNO)