SRINAGAR, May 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said writers, poets and scholars play a defining role in shaping civilisations and called for shedding the colonial mindset while reclaiming and preserving India’s authentic historical narrative.
Inaugurating the two-day Kashmir Literature Festival-2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Sinha said the influence of literature often surpasses that of institutions, noting that a single book can create a lasting impact that massive institutional spending may fail to achieve.
“Great writers, poets and creative thinkers attain immortality through their work and ideas. While the human body is mortal, creation becomes a symbol of immortality,” he said while addressing writers, historians, researchers and academicians gathered for the event.
Welcoming participants from across the country, the Lieutenant Governor expressed hope that the visitors would experience Kashmir’s rich cultural, literary and intellectual heritage during the festival.
Referring to Indian mythology, Sinha remarked that India’s literary and intellectual community must recognise its own strength and vast civilisational legacy. He said the country possesses a deep reservoir of knowledge that deserves greater recognition and appreciation.
Recalling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to move beyond colonial-era thinking, the LG stressed the need to present India’s history accurately and free from distortions.
He said one of independent India’s shortcomings was its failure to adequately document and preserve its own historical achievements, which allowed misconceptions to develop regarding the origins of many scientific and intellectual contributions.
Highlighting India’s ancient contributions to mathematics, science and astronomy, Sinha said several global civilisations benefited from Indian knowledge systems. He added that historical references in Persian and Arab texts acknowledged India’s role in advancing these fields.
The Lieutenant Governor also dismissed concerns about a decline in reading habits, citing recent studies that indicate millions of books continue to be published worldwide each year. He urged writers and intellectuals to use modern platforms and mediums to create constructive narratives and strengthen cultural discourse.
The Kashmir Literature Festival, being held on May 30 and 31, features literary discussions, poetry readings, historical debates and interactive sessions involving prominent writers, historians, researchers and academicians from across the country.
