Irfan Tramboo
Srinagar, Aug 2: Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan today said that solution to the Kashmir “problem” lies in the pen, not in guns and batons.
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Speaking after the inauguration of the second Chinar Book Festival here at SKICC, Pradhan emphasized that the democratic process has been restored in Jammu and Kashmir after 2019 and that people are now benefiting from various Central schemes that were previously out of reach.
“After many years, the democratic process has been restored in J&K, and people-especially the downtrodden-are benefiting from various programmes that were not implemented earlier. This has been made possible after the abrogation of Article 370,” he said.
He added that normalcy is returning, and tourism and business are thriving. “Businesses are stabilizing. As this process continues, people will witness progress, which will ensure prosperity in J&K,” he said.
“Before 2019, grassroots representation was missing for many years. Now, democracy is steadily being restored in the region,” he added.
Referring to the ongoing book festival, Pradhan said it would make history regardless of what critics may say. Click here to watch video
“Your presence in such large numbers is evidence of Kashmir’s status as an educated society. The solution to Kashmir’s issues does not lie in the gun or baton, but in the pen.”
He further remarked, “There is something special in the soil of Kashmir. It is a magnifier, a purifier-and coming here has always been an honour.”
Highlighting development under the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Pradhan said that significant strides have been made, particularly in primary education and high-end research, where J&K is leading the way.
He also echoed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that all Indian languages are national languages.
“Kashmiri students should learn other Indian languages like Tamil, and students from outside Kashmir should learn Kashmiri and other regional languages,” he said.
The Education Minister noted that many things are happening in J&K for the first time.
“As the country progresses, J&K is moving forward too. Massive bridges have been constructed for the railway line, and Vande Bharat trains are now running in Kashmir. In 2014, the country had only a few start-ups; today, there are over one lakh start-ups in India, and J&K is not far behind.”
Earlier, while speaking to reporters, Pradhan said that the Chinar Book Festival would be made a permanent fixture and that a library movement would be expanded across J&K.
“The National Book Trust has been given the responsibility and will implement various Government of India schemes,” he said, adding that a Jammu edition of the Chinar Book Festival should also be introduced.
He also announced that by the next edition of the festival, literature in regional languages of J&K would be translated into several other Indian languages. “By then, we should have at least 10 regional books translated,” he said.
Stressing the enduring importance of reading, Pradhan said, “There is no substitute for books. Even in the age of the internet, books hold a unique charm-and that’s clearly visible here.”
He concluded by saying, “There is a treasure of languages in J&K and Ladakh, bringing forth rich literature. Events like these expose local literature to the wider world.”
Meanwhile, the second edition of the Chinar Book Festival was inaugurated today at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).
Organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, under the aegis of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, the festival is supported by the Government of J&K.
Enthusiastic readers, students, teachers, cultural leaders, and families thronged the venue in large numbers to participate in the event for literary and cultural celebration.
The inaugural session was also attended by several eminent dignitaries, including Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust; Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar, Chairman, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR); Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Yuvraj Malik, Director, NBT; Dr. Md. Shams Equbal, Director, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL); and Dr. Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convener of the Chinar Book Festival.
In his welcome address, NBT Chairman Prof. Milind Marathe emphasized that the festival is a vibrant platform for connecting authors, publishers, and readers to foster dialogue and the exchange of knowledge.
Prof. Raghuvendra Tanwar highlighted the academic significance of such festivals, particularly in reclaiming and amplifying regional historical narratives.
Yuvraj Malik, Director, NBT, commended the indomitable spirit of the people of Kashmir, whose enthusiastic participation made the first edition of the Chinar Book Festival a resounding success.
Another major highlight was the unveiling of the first-ever National Exhibition on the Sharda Script-a scholarly and visual journey into Kashmir’s ancient linguistic legacy.
The day ended on a high note with ‘Kala-e-Kashmir’, a spectacular cultural showcase of Kashmiri music, dance, and theatre.
The event featured mesmerizing performances by Waheed Jeelani, the Saznawaz Sufiyana and Group, and the Kashmir Valley Theatre Group.
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