KD NEWS SERVICE
SRINAGAR, May 30: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said that writers, poets, historians and scholars play a far greater role in shaping civilisations than institutions, urging the country to break free from the colonial mindset and reclaim what he described as India’s true historical narrative.
Speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Kashmir Literature Festival-2026 at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar, Sinha highlighted the transformative power of literature and creative thought, saying that a single literary work can often leave a deeper and more lasting impact on society than vast amounts of money spent through institutional efforts.
Addressing an audience comprising renowned writers, researchers, historians, academicians, intellectuals and literary enthusiasts, the Lieutenant Governor said that great poets, authors and creative minds achieve immortality through their contributions to knowledge and culture. He remarked that while the human body is temporary, meaningful creations endure across generations and become lasting symbols of human achievement.
Welcoming participants and guests from different parts of the country, Sinha expressed confidence that those visiting Jammu and Kashmir for the festival would experience firsthand the region’s rich cultural heritage, intellectual legacy and vibrant literary traditions. He said Kashmir has historically been a centre of learning, scholarship and creativity, and the festival provides an important platform to showcase this legacy.
Drawing a parallel from Indian mythology, the Lieutenant Governor said that India’s literary and intellectual community resembles Hanuman before he realised his immense strength and capabilities. He stressed that the country possesses a vast reservoir of civilisational knowledge and wisdom, but there is a need to fully recognise and appreciate its depth and significance.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call from the Red Fort to shed the remnants of colonial influence, Sinha said the time had come to completely eliminate the colonial mindset that continues to shape perceptions about India’s past. He emphasised that history must be presented accurately and authentically, without distortions or omissions.
The Lieutenant Governor said one of the major shortcomings of modern India was its failure to adequately document, preserve and present its own historical achievements. According to him, this created space for narratives that overlooked or diminished India’s contributions to global knowledge and instead credited other civilisations for advancements that had roots in the Indian subcontinent.
He asserted that India made foundational contributions to fields such as mathematics, science and astronomy, which later influenced several other civilisations around the world.
Sinha said historical references found in Persian and Arab texts dating back to the eighth century acknowledged India’s intellectual achievements and the influence of its knowledge systems on global learning.
Speaking about contemporary literary trends, the Lieutenant Governor rejected the belief that reading habits are declining in the modern era. Citing research conducted in 2025, he noted that more than 40 lakh books were published globally, demonstrating that interest in reading, writing and knowledge creation remains strong despite the rise of digital platforms.
He said modern technology and expanding communication platforms have opened new avenues for writers, scholars and creators to reach wider audiences. Emphasising the importance of storytelling and intellectual engagement, Sinha urged the literary community to utilise these opportunities to build strong, positive and fact-based narratives that contribute to society and strengthen cultural understanding.
The Kashmir Literature Festival-2026, being held on May 30 and 31 at SKICC, brings together writers, historians, researchers, poets and academicians from across the country.
The festival features a wide range of literary discussions, poetry sessions, historical debates, book-related engagements and interactive sessions aimed at promoting dialogue, scholarship and cultural exchange.
The event is expected to serve as an important platform for intellectual discourse while celebrating Kashmir’s longstanding literary and cultural traditions.
