Urges youth to read one book beyond textbooks every month
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday attended the third edition of the Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar, describing it as more than just an event but a movement to build a vibrant community of readers, writers, and thinkers. He urged youth to read at least one book beyond their textbooks every month and asking every young writer to resolve to write at least one page daily.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the National Book Trust and the organizers for their commendable work. “Our goal is to transform Jammu Kashmir into a national hub for knowledge, culture, and creativity. I hope this book festival will inspire the youth to read every day, protect endangered languages, and use literature as a way to value and respect diversity,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that books are like living conversations that force us to think deeply, ask questions, challenge what we believe, and inspire us to grow. “Nothing matches the power of writing. Combined with a strong imagination, it becomes a lasting strength. A vibrant book festival creates such an environment and a welcoming space where literature becomes accessible, inspiring, and meaningful for everyone,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that in a very short span of time, the Chinar Book Festival has become a unique celebration of ideas, transforming into a vibrant intellectual movement across Jammu Kashmir. “I believe writers and thinkers are like glowing lamps and blooming roses. In many ways, they mirror the majestic Chinar tree. In Kashmir, the Chinar is a living symbol of patience, beauty, and endurance. Writers and their books share this same lasting spirit, guiding human civilization through the ages,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasized that the success of a book festival should not be measured by sales figures. “I believe the true success of any book festival lies in the ideas and conversations it generates. If a discussion that begins at this festival reaches a college or university, then our goal is successful. If a young person finds a book at this festival that changes the course of their life, that will be the greatest achievement of the Chinar Book Festival,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also asked organisers to plan a similar book festival in Jammu. He visited various book stalls and interacted with exhibitors, releasing several publications in different languages.
The event was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, National Book Trust Chairman Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Commissioner Secretary School and Higher Education Ram Niwas Sharma, National Book Trust Director Yuvraj Malik, Chief Convener Dr Amit Wanchoo, NCPUL Director Dr Md. Shams Equbal, Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Syed Darakhshan Andrabi, SKUAST Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Principal Secretary Culture Brij Mohan Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, heads of educational institutions, senior officials, eminent literary personalities, book lovers, youth, and students in large numbers.