There is a growing concern in Kashmir that remains largely unspoken in public discourse: the steady decline of reading habits among the youth. In a land once celebrated for its intellectual richness, poetic traditions, and deep engagement with literature, we are now witnessing an alarming detachment from books, reflective thinking, and critical engagement with ideas. The shift is not merely cultural, it is generational. While many factors have contributed to this trend, two stand out with undeniable force: the omnipresence of digital distractions and the prolonged socio-political conflict.

The rise of smartphones, social media platforms, and bite-sized content has drastically reshaped how young people engage with information. Scrolling has replaced studying; attention spans are now measured in seconds. The dopamine-driven design of apps like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook leaves little room for deep reflection or intellectual endurance. The habit of sustained reading which once trained minds to think, analyse, and empathize, is slowly being replaced by shallow consumption of content that neither informs nor transforms. Books demand a different kind of attention—one that is slow, immersive, and contemplative. They teach us how to pause, how to understand complexity, and how to hold contradictory thoughts. These are not just academic skills; they are human ones. And they are being lost.
At the same time, the long shadow of conflict in Kashmir cannot be ignored. Years of political instability, curfews, shutdowns, and trauma have disrupted not only education but also the emotional well-being of entire generations. In such a turbulent environment, the space for intellectual curiosity and cultural engagement has shrunk. Schools often become sites of uncertainty rather than learning. Students are burdened not only by academic pressure but by anxiety, fear, and disillusionment. For many young Kashmiris, reading may feel like a luxury in a world that demands constant coping. The allure of escapism becomes understandable. Digital entertainment offers quick relief, even if superficial. But the long-term cost is devastating. We are witnessing the rise of a generation that is increasingly disconnected from its intellectual heritage, from the power of language, and from the tools of critical thought.
This disconnection is not just academic—it is spiritual. The Islamic tradition has always placed profound emphasis on the act of reading. The very first word revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was “Iqra”—read. This command was not incidental; it was foundational. It placed literacy, reflection, and learning at the heart of Islamic identity. The Quran repeatedly urges believers to reflect (tafakkur), to ponder (tadabbur), and to seek knowledge (ilm). The crisis of reading in Kashmir is, therefore, not just educational—it is cultural and spiritual. It is about the kind of society we are shaping. A society that does not read becomes intellectually fragile and easily manipulated. It loses its memory, its creativity, and its ability to resist injustice with knowledge and dignity.
Rebuilding a reading culture in Kashmir is not impossible, but it requires serious commitment from multiple fronts. Educational institutions must do more than deliver content they must inspire curiosity and foster independent thinking. Teachers should be trained and empowered to cultivate a culture of reading beyond the syllabus. Homes should revive the tradition of storytelling and book-sharing. Public libraries must be revitalized and made welcoming spaces, especially for youth. Local authors and publishers need more support and visibility.
Reading is a powerful tool. It nurtures empathy, imagination, and resilience. In a conflict-ridden society like Kashmir, these qualities are not optional they are essential for survival, healing, and progress. If we want to see a Kashmir that thinks, that questions, that creates and uplifts, then we must urgently restore reading to its rightful place in our lives. Not as a forgotten habit of the past, but as a living, breathing necessity for the present. We must remind our youth that reading is not outdated, and knowledge is not optional. In the words of Imam Ali (A.S), “There is no wealth like knowledge, and no poverty like ignorance.” It is time we reflect on what we are truly passing on to the next generation.

Email:------------------------: asiakashmiri001@gmail.com