This literary festival in Srinagar feels like more than one cultural event only . On May 30 ,Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated a two-day literary festival at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar,and whole tone of event seems quite serious about Kashmir’s cultural and intellectual identity.
And honestly,when leaders talk about literature like this,it is not just about books and poems . It becomes about memory,history,and how people understand their own place in wider Indian story.
Sinha said he was hopeful that people coming from different regions would actually feel depth of Kashmir during these two days . His exact words were,“I welcome everyone who has come to Jammu and Kashmir from outside. I am confident that during these two days,you will not only see but also deeply feel literary,cultural, and intellectual soul of this land.”
That line stands out because Kashmir is often discussed through politics and conflict,but here focus is on literary,cultural,and intellectual soul . Different angle,and maybe much needed also .
Few points from his address are clearly worth noticing:
- Sinha said writers,poets and scholars shape civilizations,and their impact can go beyond traditional institutions.
- He urged shift away from colonial perspectives to restore India's true historical account .
- He highlighted India’s foundational role in mathematics,science and astronomy.
And tbh,the Lord Hanuman comparison was interesting . Sinha said,“Just as Lord Hanuman was reminded of his powers before crossing Lanka,our literary and intellectual community must realize depth of India's civilizational strength.” Big statement ah,because he is basically saying Indian literary and intellectual circles already have strength,but maybe have not fully realised it.
He also called on scholars and researchers to take authentic history to local readers . This point matters because history staying inside academic rooms does not help common people much . If India was major center of knowledge long before many modern civilizations emerged,then that story has to reach ordinary readers also.
Sinha also said many narratives have ignored depth of India's scientific and intellectual achievements . He spoke about how modern India has often failed to document its history accurately,and because of that,India’s contributions to world have got distorted in many places .
And at same time,this opens bigger question . If India has such rich legacy in medicine,mathematics,and scientific thought,then why are so many people still learning about it in fragments only…
