To ensure successful conduct of 3rd edition of upcoming “Chinar Book Festival” scheduled from July 18 to July 26, 2026, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo chaired a comprehensive meeting here today at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.
The nine-day event is organized jointly by the National Book Trust (NBT) and the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) The Book Festival is being organized through the collaborative efforts of the National Book Trust, India (Ministry of Education, Govt of India), National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language (NCPUL) and the District Administration Srinagar at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC).
At the outset, the DC reviewed the detailed arrangements and preparations being put in place for the literary festival ensuring that the literary festival is organized in a well coordinated manner and provide an engaging platform for readers, authors, publishers, artists, and students from across the country, while promoting a vibrant reading culture and encouraging greater participation among literary enthusiasts.
On the occasion, the DC stressed timely coordination among line departments, particularly regarding participant mobilization, transportation, sanitation, etc to ensure the seamless and smooth conduct of the literary festival. He highlighted the festival’s potential to inspire youth towards reading, writing, and cultural engagement, while also promoting Jammu & Kashmir's rich literary heritage on a global stage.
During the meeting, it was informed that the 2026 edition of the Chinar Book festival is expected to offer a rich tapestry of book launches, author meet-and-greets, panel discussions, poetry recitations and storytelling sessions. In addition, the festival will showcase local literary talent, children’s activities, cultural performances and workshops aimed at promoting reading and writing among youth.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Aadil Fareed, Additional Secretary Culture Academy, Adeel Saleem, Joint commissioner SMC, Nuzhat Khurshid, SP Headquarter, Umar Shah, Additional CEO SCCL, Suhail ul Islam, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Programme Officer ICDS, Bureeda Majid, Officers from Higher Education, School Education, Principles of Government Polytechnic Colleges & Industrial Training Institutes, Medical Superintendents, Executive Engineers, concerned District Officers and others.
Chief Convenor Chinar Book Festival, Amit Wanchoo, Coordinator National Book Trust, Shobha Kapoor and other concerned also participated in the meeting.