Aadi Achint
In a significant cultural milestone, Srinagar hosted its first-ever Kashmir Literature Festival, organised by the Srikula Foundation. This event was held on December 07-08, 2024, at the iconic SKICC by the serene Dal Lake. Being the first one of its kind, this event marked a new chapter in the region’s literary and cultural narrative.
The Srikula Foundation, recognised for its commitment to enriching cultural and literary landscapes, has embarked on this initiative with the vision of revitalizing the literary heritage of Jammu &Kashmir. The theme, ‘Kashmir-The Ancient Powerhouse of Wisdom,’ underscored the region’s historical significance as a cradle of knowledge, philosophy, and literature. This festival aimed to celebrate and reconnect with the deep literary roots that have shaped not only Kashmir but also had a profound influence across the subcontinent.
The festival saw a confluence of writers, scholars, diplomats, analysts and youth leaders. It was designed not just as a platform for literary discussions but also an interactive space where students, social workers, and the general public could engage directly with literature. The event featured sessions that included book discussions, panel discussions, geopolitical analysis, and cultural performances, focusing on a wide array of topics from the historical narratives of Kashmir to contemporary issues in front of the world and Bharat today.
By bringing together diverse voices, it aimed to foster a dialogue that transcends the usual political and social narratives often associated with Kashmir, focusing instead on its rich tapestry of literature and enhancing connections between the region and speakers from around the country.
Many notable authors and speakers came from all over the country to speak during the event. The former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal, former Chief Election Commissioner SY Qureshi, Additional DG Archeological Survey of India Dr SK Munjal, former economic adviser to the Govt of India Dr Ashok Lahiri and former Corps Commander of the Chinar Corps, Lt Gen DP Pandey (retd) were the senior officers who shared their visions and wisdom. Film-maker and author Shiv Kunal Verma, authors Chandrachur Bose, Anuj Dhar, Kallol Bhattacharya and Ami Gantara and media personalities like Aadi Achint and Ramnik Singh Mann added value to the event. Among the prominent Kashmiri youngsters who came on the stage and spoke their hearts out were Raja Muneeb, Ravinder Pandita, Dr Henana Berges, authors Namrata Wakhloo and Azra Mufti and advocate Janzeb.
The festival was met with enthusiasm, drawing crowds eager to partake in the literary feast. Posts on X highlighted the event’s success in bringing people together, with sentiments echoing a sense of pride and hope for a cultural resurgence in Kashmir. As it happens in a narrative-ridden region like Kashmir Valley, some influential quarters with vested interests started a concerted campaign against the event, first calling it a Sangh event and later, having spotted one army veteran out of over two dozen speakers, claimed that the Indian Army was organising the event. With both these claims being absurd to start with and proved false by the conduct and the content of the festival, a tight slap was delivered to such quarters. The enthusiasm exhibited by the young volunteers who put their heart and soul into the event was simply remarkable and a snub to such hatred-filled minds.
The event also served as a platform for dialogue on the socio-political aspects of Kashmir through the lens of literature, offering a space where complex narratives could be explored in a nuanced manner. This was particularly poignant, given the backdrop of recent changes in the region’s administrative status and the ongoing quest for peace and normalcy.
The inaugural festival has laid the groundwork for what could become an annual event, potentially transforming Srinagar into a regular destination for literary afficionados. The positive reception suggests that such initiatives could play a crucial role in cultural diplomacy and the healing process through art and literature. As the curtains closed on this two-day festival, there was a palpable sense of accomplishment and anticipation for future editions, where the cultural and intellectual legacy of Kashmir would continue to be celebrated and shared with the world. The success of this festival underlines the power of literature to transcend barriers, heal divides, and bring forth a narrative of unity and cultural richness in one of the world’s most storied landscapes.
As a next step, the Srikula Foundation is now planning to hold the first-ever Jammu Literature Fest in 2025.
(The author runs a YouTube channel, Def Talks)
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