Bilal Bashir Bhat
Srinagar, Aug 21: The Chinar Book Festival, currently being held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar from August 17th to 25th, 2024, has captured the imagination of attendees with its diverse array of literary and cultural events. Among the standout features of the festival is a remarkable photo exhibition titled “Pioneering Women of Kashmir.”
This unique exhibition, organized by the District Administration of Srinagar under the visionary leadership of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, pays tribute to the extraordinary women who have shaped the rich history and culture of Kashmir.
The exhibition is conceptualized by New Delhi-based renowned journalist Brajesh Kumar Jha, who has brought to life the stories and contributions of these influential figures through an evocative collection of sketches.
The exhibition features the lives and legacies of some of Kashmir’s most iconic women, including Lal Ded, the mystic poetess whose verses still resonate across the valley; Devi Roop Bhawani, a revered spiritual leader; Hafiza Khatija, known for her literary contributions; Vakpushta, a notable scholar; Rani Sugandha Devi, a queen of Kashmir; Bibi Hora, a renowned healer; Didda Rani, a powerful ruler; and Habba Khatoon, the poetess queen known for her soulful lyrics.
Visitors to the exhibition are taken on a visual journey through time, experiencing Kashmir’s history through the lives of these remarkable women.
The sketches made by the girl students of Kashmir Mehdiya Zahid, Arsalan Tawheed Khan, Nyla Ahmad, Smaan Saleem Khan, and others not only capture the essence of their contributions but also serve as a reminder of the pivotal roles women have played in shaping the region’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
The exhibition content is researched by Dr. Nisar Ahmad Bhat Farooq Ahmad Malik, while Manishankar Kumar has designed it on the advice of Pro: Shyam Narayan Lal, a prominent Jammu-based historian.
The exhibition has received widespread acclaim from festivalgoers, scholars, and residents alike, who have praised it for shedding light on the often-overlooked contributions of women in Kashmir’s history.
The Chinar Book Festival continues to be a significant platform for cultural exchange and intellectual exploration, and the “Pioneering Women of Kashmir” exhibition stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of these trailblazing women.
As the festival progresses, this exhibition remains one of the key highlights, drawing visitors from all walks of life who seek to understand and appreciate the rich heritage of Kashmir.
The event which will conclude on 25 August is organized by the National Book Trust, India and the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Languages, and is supported by the Srinagar District Administration.
