M Haziq Pandit
Srinagar: The second edition of the Kashmir Literature Festival (KLF) wrapped up on a high note on Sunday at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar. The two-day festival featured an engaging lineup of literary discussions, interactive workshops, book launches, and cultural performances.
Organised by the Srikula Foundation, the festival aimed to create a platform for dialogue and exchange on the region’s evolving socio-political landscape while showcasing Kashmir’s rich cultural and literary heritage. The event brought together renowned authors, poets, artists, journalists, and thinkers from across the country, fostering meaningful conversations and intellectual engagement. Some of the eminent personalities included Kanchan Gupta, Vijay Dhar, Neerja Mattoo, Lt Gen (Retd.) D. P. Pandey, Abhijeet Iyer Mitra, Col. Ajay Raina, Adv Jehanzeb Allaqaband, Raja Muneeb, Rouble Nagi, Tehmeena Rizvi, Aarti Tikoo, and many others.
Through a series of intellectually stimulating panel discussions and interactive sessions, the event explored diverse subjects spanning literature, history, culture, geopolitics, society, and the arts.
Speaking on the sidelines, Lt Col JS Sodhi (Retd), a seasoned defence analyst and author, said that after the abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir has entered a new phase of peace and stability. He added that the region has experienced some of its safest years in recent times, with normalcy returning to public life.
He highlighted that not a single incident of stone-pelting has been reported since the abrogation, reflecting the calm and stability now prevailing in the Valley. “Before the abrogation of Article 370, stone-pelting was widespread. Now, not even one such incident has been reported. In fact, J&K has witnessed a remarkable boom in tourism since then,” he said.
Lt Col Sodhi further noted that Kashmir’s growing participation in nation-building reflects the broader transformation in the region. “We have seen how Kashmiris are making their mark at national and international levels and making their presence felt across different sectors. It not only shows their sense of belonging but also demonstrates how the youth of J&K are focusing on progress and development and actively contributing to India’s growth story,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the region’s future, he added, “I firmly believe that J&K is on a steady path of growth and prosperity. I am confident that this momentum will continue, taking the Union Territory to new heights. I also want to assure everyone, especially international tourists, that Kashmir is safe. Come and visit Kashmir — the warmth of its people and the beauty of this place are unmatched, something not even found in Switzerland.”
The festival also showcased book launches, art exhibitions, and school performances, providing young minds a platform to engage with literature and creativity while evenings at the festival were filled with captivating cultural performances. Local artists like Massrat-un-Nissa left a deep impression with their evocative renditions, blending Kashmiri artistic traditions with contemporary expressions.
Advocate Jehanzeb Allaqband, part of the organising team, said thatKLF was more than a gathering of writers and thinkers; it was a vibrant platform featuring sessions on literature, art, history, and contemporary thought.
The festival concluded on a reflective and hopeful note, reminding attendees that literature is not merely about words, but about preserving the collective soul of a people. By bridging traditional wisdom with contemporary expression, the Kashmir Literature Festival reaffirmed the region’s enduring role as a hub of thought, creativity, and dialogue, inspiring a renewed sense of cultural confidence among participants.
