Witnesses growing participation, larger turnout this year
Retired diplomats, military veterans, academics address sessions
Idrees Bukhtiyar
Srinagar, May 31: The third edition of the Kashmir Literature Festival (KLF) concluded on Sunday at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), bringing to a close a two-day celebration of literature, art, culture and intellectual discourse.
The festival, held on May 30 and 31, witnessed participation from renowned authors, scholars, diplomats, military veterans, policymakers, artists and literary enthusiasts from across the country.
The event featured a series of panel discussions, book launches, poetry sessions, cultural performances and interactive engagements on a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, education, geopolitics, media, and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage.
On Sunday, the festival featured a series of book discussions and launches, including Viksit Bharat – India @ 2047, Grammar of Void, and Ramban: Folklore, Ophiolatry, along with deliberations on a range of literary and contemporary issues.
Among the highlights was a discussion on Phuljhadian Inshayion Ki by veteran writer Ghulam Hassan Talib, which drew an enthusiastic response from the audience. The session witnessed active participation from readers and literary enthusiasts, reflecting the growing interest in regional literature and literary discourse. Few musical performances were also held on the occasion.
Organised by the Srikula Foundation, the festival aimed to foster dialogue, encourage creative expression and provide a platform for the exchange of ideas among writers, academics and readers.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated the festival on Saturday, highlighting the role of writers, poets and scholars in shaping societies and preserving civilisational values. During the two-day event, speakers underscored the importance of literature in promoting critical thinking, cultural understanding and social cohesion.
Several distinguished guests addressed different sessions during the festival, including retired diplomats, military officers, academics and noted authors. Discussions also focused on the changing landscape of media, the future of education, India’s civilisational legacy, and contemporary global challenges.
Festival organisers expressed satisfaction over the growing participation and public response to the event. They said the third edition witnessed a larger turnout of authors, publishers, students and literature lovers compared to previous years, reflecting increasing interest in literary and cultural activities in the valley.
The festival concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting reading, writing and intellectual engagement, with participants describing the event as an important platform for dialogue and cultural exchange in Jammu and Kashmir.