Srinagar, July 22: The fifth day of the Chinar Book Festival celebrated the inspiring journeys of Kashmir's women changemakers, while veteran actor Rakesh Bedi captivated audiences with an engaging session that blended humour, life lessons and the transformative power of literature.

The day-long programme drew a large gathering of students, writers, educators, artists and literature enthusiasts, reinforcing the festival's growing stature as one of Jammu and Kashmir's premier cultural and literary events.
A special session titled "Stories of Kashmir's Women Changemakers" highlighted the remarkable achievements of women who have broken barriers in diverse fields, including education, entrepreneurship, public service, arts, social work and community development. The speakers shared their personal journeys, reflecting on the challenges they overcame and the determination that enabled them to create meaningful change in society.
The discussion underscored the vital role of education, resilience and leadership in empowering women and encouraged young participants to pursue their aspirations with confidence and perseverance. The audience responded enthusiastically, engaging with the speakers during an interactive question-and-answer session.
Adding a lively dimension to the festival, veteran film and theatre actor Rakesh Bedi interacted with visitors in a session marked by wit, warmth and inspiration. Sharing anecdotes from his decades-long career in theatre, television and cinema, Bedi highlighted the importance of reading, creativity and discipline in shaping successful careers.
He urged young people to cultivate the habit of reading, describing books as lifelong companions that broaden perspectives, strengthen imagination and nurture critical thinking. Interspersing his address with humour, he kept the audience entertained while delivering meaningful messages on perseverance, continuous learning and self-belief.
Students and aspiring artists enthusiastically interacted with the actor, seeking insights into acting, storytelling and the creative arts. Bedi encouraged them to remain dedicated to their passions and never stop learning, irrespective of the challenges they encounter.
The festival also witnessed a steady flow of visitors exploring book stalls featuring publications from leading national and regional publishers. Literary discussions, author interactions, children's activities and cultural programmes continued to attract readers of all age groups.
Organisers said the Chinar Book Festival has emerged as a vibrant platform for promoting reading culture, intellectual exchange and creative expression while providing opportunities for meaningful interaction between authors, scholars, artists and the public.
The festival will continue over the coming days with a series of book releases, panel discussions, workshops, cultural performances and interactive sessions designed to inspire young minds and celebrate the richness of literature, knowledge and culture.