Two-day Kashmir literature fest begins today at SKICC

Srinagar, Dec 06: Two-day Kashmir Literature Festival 2024 is set to commence on Saturday to showcase vibrant blend of literature, history, politics, art, and culture, featuring a stellar lineup of authors, academics, diplomats, and performers.
Srikula Foundation is the host of first edition of “Kashmir LitFest” and its theme is “Kashmir-The ancient powerhouse of wisdom” .
It would allow readers to connect with books, writers, and other book lovers. First edition would provide a platform for stimulating ideas, conversations, and interactions.
The day one of the festival will begin with a powerful narrative of Kashmir’s identity through the session “Kashmir: The Jewel Crown of Bharat”, featuring Ravinder Pandita and Namrata Wakhloo in conversation with Ami Ganatra.
The morning discussions will delve into complex narratives with “Let’s Zoom Out on Kashmir”, where Lt. Gen. D. P. Pandey (Retd) shares insights alongside Raja Muneeb and Shehla Rashid. Adding an emotional touch, Dr. Henana Berjes will present a soulful poetry recital.
As the day progresses, the panel “Integration or Exclusivity: Kashmir’s Prosperity Road” explores the region’s future, bringing voices like Mirwais Latief, Arun Prabhat, and Azra Mufti into dialogue with moderator Jehanzeb Allaqaband.
The literary spotlight continues with the session “Nehru’s First Recruits: The Diplomats Who Built Independent India’s Foreign Policy”, featuring Kallol Bhattacherjee and Amb. Kanwal Sibal in conversation with Chandrachur Ghose.
A special moment awaits history enthusiasts with the launch of “Yodha II: Illustrated Military History of India”, presented by Lt. Gen. D. P. Pandey (Retd) alongside Shiv Kunal Verma and Ramnik Singh Mann.
Day one closes on a mesmerizing note with a Bharatnatyam performance by Aishwarya Attri and Nandana Moulick, celebrating India’s rich classical traditions.
The Day two begins with intellectual rigor in “The Rules for the Rulers”, where Ami Ganatra and Dr. Ashok Lahiri engage with Chandrachur Ghose on timeless governance principles.
Military and historical perspectives take center stage with “The Half Front”, a conversation led by Lt. Gen. D. P. Pandey (Retd) and Ramnik Singh Mann, moderated by Shiv Kunal Verma.
The exploration of India’s ancient roots comes alive in “Unearthing Bharatiya Heritage Through Archaeology”, with Dr. S. K. Manjul in dialogue with Namrata Wakhloo. Meanwhile, women’s empowerment is at the forefront with “Women: The Better Half”, featuring Prof. Nilofer Khan and Dr. Henana Berjes.
Adding depth to the lineup, the session “Role Model: Inspiring Stories of Indian Muslim Achievers” highlights success stories, hosted by Dr. S. Y. Quraishi and Amb. Kanwal Sibal.
Cultural diplomacy takes the stage with “Bharat from the Lens of the World”, while Dr. Ashok Lahiri and Ami Ganatra tackle pressing political and economic issues in “India in Search of Glory”.
The day culminates with the highly anticipated book launch of “Bose Deception: Declassified”, presented by Anuj Dhar and Chandrachur Ghose, followed by discussions led by eminent personalities like Amb. Kanwal Sibal and Lt. Gen. D. P. Pandey (Retd).
Spokesperson of Kashmir LitFest said the aim is to create a vibrant space where books and community intersect and to ensure that power of stories bring people together, spark dialogue and broaden perspectives.
“KLF is a source of empowerment to many who seek to benefit from the wealth of knowledge we aim to generate. KLF is an effort to put Kashmir back on the global map as The powerhouse of wisdom.”
The festival will conclude with a Musical Gala Evening by Shash Rang Band, promising an enchanting finale to this landmark cultural celebration.
This two-day literary extravaganza not only marks a historic moment for Kashmir but also establishes Srinagar as a hub for intellectual and cultural dialogue.