Srinagar | : As part of the Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect Programme (VBYCP), the Dean of Student Welfare (DSW) at the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) organized an educational excursion for its students and research scholars to the Chinar Book Festival-2025. The event, held at the SKICC, provided an enriching experience for participants, offering them a platform for literary engagement and intellectual exchange.
The festival, a collaborative effort between the National Book Trust India (under the Ministry of Education), the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL), and the Srinagar district administration, drew a large number of book lovers and literary enthusiasts. CUKashmir students had the opportunity to explore a wide array of books, participate in book reviews, and interact directly with authors and publishing professionals.
A key highlight of the visit was the interaction with Ms. Sadaf Gul, Event Officer for the National Book Trust India. She provided valuable insights into the planning and execution of large-scale literary events like the Chinar Book Festival, sharing her expertise with the students. Ms. Gul emphasized the festival’s goal of promoting a strong reading culture and fostering intellectual discourse among the youth. She commended the CUKashmir administration, including Vice-Chancellor Prof. A Ravinder Nath, for their proactive role in encouraging student participation.
Dr. Adil Nazki, Nodal Officer for VBYCP, spoke to the students about the crucial role of books in personal and academic development. Expressing concern over the current trend of declining reading habits among young people, he urged them to reconnect with literature and cultivate a passion for reading.
The program also included an Open Talk Session and a Book Review session led by Youth Officers Dr. Samreen Geelani and Dr. Shahnaz Parveen from the DSW. During these sessions, students and research scholars shared their thoughts on various literary works and engaged in discussions with festival organizers, further enriching their experience.
