Chinar Book Festival: Inspiring Readers and Innovators

The Chinar Book Festival in Srinagar has become a favourite place for many readers. Last year also, some visitors had attended it and waited eagerly the whole year to come back again. This time they were not disappointed. They even bought cute books with painted edges, and enjoyed the overall experience of being part of the festival. During the event, students also presented various projects based on subjects like Mathematics and Chemistry. These projects were designed to help people and make life better for those who are not as fortunate. Some projects focused on protecting the environment, some on improving homes and societies, and others on supporting patients in the medical field. The students expressed their gratitude to the authorities for providing them with such a platform to present their work on a larger stage. One of the most practical projects presented was about the use of bukhari (traditional heating stove) in closed, non-ventilated rooms in Kashmir. Many families sleep at night with the bukhari on, but unfortunately, some never wake up in the morning because of carbon monoxide poisoning. To address this, a student designed a carbon monoxide detector, just like the fire alarms used in buildings, which could be kept in bedrooms to alert families in time. The festival also fills a cultural gap in Kashmir. Earlier, there was no such book festival, and readers had no place to buy books. Now they have this space, and even non-readers come to enjoy the festival because it offers not only books but also music and cultural events, creating a joyful environment for everyone. Above all, the festival strongly promotes the habit of reading. Participants highlighted that reading should not be limited to school textbooks. Fictional books too can teach valuable lessons and skills that formal education alone may not provide. Reading builds creativity, imagination, and knowledge. Thus, the Chinar Book Festival is not just about books—it is about ideas, culture, creativity, and innovation. It encourages students to showcase their originality, inspires society to read more, and provides a platform that will benefit future generations.