SRINAGAR, May 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday emphasized the transformative role of literature in nation building, stating that writers, poets and scholars often leave a deeper and more lasting impact on society than large institutions. Addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Kashmir Literature Festival-2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), he called for a renewed effort to preserve India’s historical legacy and strengthen cultural consciousness.
Speaking before an audience comprising authors, historians, researchers and academicians from across the country, Sinha said creative minds achieve immortality through their contributions to knowledge and human thought. He remarked that while institutions may spend vast resources to influence society, a single literary work can inspire generations and reshape public understanding in a far more profound manner.
The Lieutenant Governor welcomed participants visiting Kashmir for the literary event and expressed confidence that the festival would offer them an opportunity to experience the Valley’s rich intellectual traditions, artistic heritage and vibrant cultural landscape.
Reflecting on India’s literary and historical journey, Sinha observed that the nation possesses an extraordinary reservoir of knowledge that has yet to be fully recognized and celebrated. Drawing inspiration from Indian mythology, he suggested that the country must rediscover the confidence to present its own intellectual achievements and cultural contributions to the world.
Highlighting the need to revisit historical narratives, he stressed that India’s civilizational accomplishments in mathematics, astronomy, science and philosophy deserve greater acknowledgement. According to him, many ancient societies benefited from Indian knowledge systems, and historical records from various regions of the world contain references to these contributions.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that preserving authentic historical accounts is essential for future generations. He said educational and literary communities have a responsibility to ensure that India’s heritage is documented accurately and shared widely through research, scholarship and public discourse.
Addressing concerns about declining reading habits, Sinha rejected the notion that literature is losing relevance in the digital age. He pointed to the continued growth of global publishing and expanding access to books and digital platforms as evidence that readers remain actively engaged with knowledge and ideas.
He urged writers and intellectuals to utilize modern communication channels to promote constructive narratives, encourage critical thinking and contribute to the cultural development of society. Literature, he said, remains one of the most powerful tools for preserving identity, fostering dialogue and strengthening national consciousness.
The Kashmir Literature Festival-2026, being held on May 30 and 31, features a diverse programme of literary discussions, poetry readings, historical conversations and academic exchanges. The event has brought together distinguished voices from various fields, creating a platform for meaningful engagement on literature, history, culture and contemporary issues.