On its seventh day, the Chinar Book Festival 2025 at SKICC, Srinagar, became a meeting point for tradition, technology, and the transformative power of the arts. From the tools of the digital era to children learning new skills, the day's events reflected the festival's alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which envisions holistic learning and the integration of technology into education and creative industries.
At the children's corner, the day began with "Around the Riddle," a fun-filled doodling game where children circled giant paper rolls, much like musical chairs, mixing music and art with pure joy!
In the second session, Seema Wahi guided kids in making their own beautiful bird puppets — a hands-on craft they loved taking home. The final session was an exciting quiz by Vivek Kumar, where students answered questions through interactive slides. Winners received books and certificates! Winners of Canvas-e-Khayal, the painting competition, were also felicitated and celebrated today.
Authors' Corner hosted thought-provoking discussions that underscored the festival's commitment to inclusivity, language, and cultural memory. In a session titled 'Multilingualism in NEP 2020: Opportunities in Urdu and Kashmiri', scholars like Prof. Peerzada Shareefuddin, Prof. (Dr.) Mushtaq Ahmad Sidiqi, and Prof. Majid Zaman, in conversation with Dr. Mushtaq Haider, explored the linguistic shifts and educational possibilities ushered in by the National Education Policy.
In another session, Prof. Ayaz Rasool Nazki and Dr. Nikhat Syed Qureshi (Dr. Nikhat Nazar), moderated by Dr. Kausar Rasool, unpacked the representation of Kashmiri women in literature, and echoes that persist and evolve within Urdu literature.
The authors' Corner hosted another thought-provoking discussion, where Mr. Veer Munshi, Mr. Aziz ul Rahman, Ms. Iqra Nazir, and RJ Rafia shared how their work through paintings, handcrafted artefacts, and digital platforms safeguards Kashmir's stories and traditions while making them accessible to new generations.
A panel discussion titled 'Rethinking Education, Money, and Mindfulness in a Digital World brought fresh insights on navigating the future. Wth perspectives from Mr. Mohammad Muzaffar Wani, General Manager, J&K Bank, and Ms. Satya Naidu, CSR Manager from Marico, the conversation explored how financial awareness, mindful living, and education must evolve for the next generation. Moderated by Ms. Shobha Kapoor, National Book Trust, India, the session sparked thought-provoking dialogue among attendees.
In yet another engaging panel discussion, Mr. Shirish Kumar, Mr. Nufeel Mir, Ms. Bindya Tikoo, and RJ Rafiq discussed the power and responsibility of content creation in an interconnected world.
Literary discussions closed with an insightful discussion about music, where Ustaad Waheed Jeelani, Dhananjay Kaul, Muneer Mir, and Rashid Nizam talked about Sufi melodies and the need to preserve them.
As twilight settled gently over the Dal Lake, SKICC transformed into a living concert of voices and harmonies. Young Master Saquib Ahad Dar took the stage with quiet grace, his voice soaring through the evening like a promise. Ustad Suraj Singh Ji & Group followed, their soulful renditions weaving age-old emotions into the night air. Asad Anjum & Group brought an earthy pulse that made the audience sway in unison. Abdul Gaffar Dar Kanihami & Party touched hearts with their rooted, evocative melodies—music that smelled of soil and memory. And when Aabid Aly arrived, charisma met rhythm; his vibrant performance closed the evening on a high, leaving behind echoes of celebration long after the last note had faded.
Dignitaries, cultural leaders, and educators visited the festival throughout the day, underscoring its growing role as a cultural landmark for Jammu & Kashmir. Among some notable visitors were Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah (MLA, Gulmarg), Mubarak Gul (MLA, Eidgah), Waseem Raja (Additional Secretary, Tourism), Prof. Nazeer Ahmad Ganai (VC, SKUAST), lltija Mufti (Politician, PDP), among many other officials and academicians.
With the festival set to conclude on 10th August, the final days are packed with discussions and performances that will stay with visitors long after the closing ceremony. We warmly invite the citizens of Jammu & Kashmir to join this celebration.