Idrees Bukhtiyar
Srinagar, May 30: Former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt Gen D P Pandey on Saturday said the Kashmir Literature Festival (KLF) has the potential to emerge as a brand name associated with Kashmir and contribute significantly to promoting a positive image of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir on the sidelines of the third edition of the Kashmir Literature Festival (KLF) at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, Pandey said the event has witnessed remarkable growth since its inception.
“In the first edition, participation was limited. The second edition saw a larger turnout, and this year the response has been overwhelming in terms of books, authors, audiences and overall attendance,” he said.
Pandey expressed confidence that the festival would continue to grow in stature and become a major literary platform for the region.
“With time, I believe the Kashmir Literature Festival will become a brand name linked with Kashmir and for Kashmir. It is an investment in the field of literature and knowledge that will add to the dignity and respect of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
Reflecting on the region’s intellectual heritage, the former Army officer said Jammu and Kashmir has traditionally had a strong culture of education and learning.
“J&K has always had a passion for studies and knowledge. Unfortunately, circumstances changed and the region remained on the wrong path for nearly three to four decades. I am happy that we are moving away from that phase,” he said.
Pandey said sustained peace would encourage greater intellectual engagement, learning and exchange of ideas in the valley.
“As peace returns, people will think more broadly, study more and interact with each other. Knowledge and creativity will flourish. The negative perceptions associated with Kashmir will gradually diminish and be replaced by positive sentiments,” he said.
He noted that for many years Kashmir was viewed largely through the prism of violence and conflict, but said that narrative is changing.
“People will increasingly see Kashmir beyond guns and conflict. They will connect with the region through positive ideas, culture and literature. The Kashmir Literature Festival has a significant role to play in this transformation,” he said.
Pandey also highlighted the growing engagement between Kashmir and the rest of the country, saying it has helped counter negative narratives about the region.
“The connections Kashmir has built with other parts of India have helped control negative narratives. More needs to be done in this regard, and the youth can play a vital role,” he said.
Calling upon young people to actively contribute to the region’s progress, Pandey said Kashmiri youth should come forward and help shape and carry forward a positive narrative about Kashmir.