Bilal Bashir Bhat
Undoubtedly the current digital era where social media is mostly playing in the hands of Gen Z has resulted in a potential threat of cultural aggression. The flood of external influences in the form of diluted language like emojis weakens local traditions, values, and languages, making preserving and promoting local culture more important than ever.
To combat any possible cultural erosion, a need to devise a mechanism to reach the newer generation is demanded by advocating and adopting a more inclusive approach to conducting literary gatherings.
Literary gatherings in Kashmir, led by literary and cultural institutions like the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages, have the potential to act as a hub of cultural identity. However, the scope and impact of these gatherings need to be re-evaluated and expanded.
Traditionally, literary events in Kashmir have a distinct value and prestige, in which the participation of the literary elite, writers, poets, and critics is a must. With the same traditional attendees and familiar speakers these events although rich in intellectual discourse, have become somewhat unusual because they attract only a limited audience.
Such homogeneity not only limits the reach of these gatherings but also the blending of new perspectives and ideas. To address these concerns and combat the threat of cultural erosion, such literary gatherings must adopt a more inclusive approach.
The fact is that inviting people from different sectors of society—students, teachers, journalists, and even social media influencers—to participate in these events can bridge the gap between the literary world and the wider society.
With their unique platforms and reach, these people can play a vital role in bringing the cultural narratives discussed in these forums to a wider audience.
Students can engage as future custodians of art and culture. Their participation in literary events can lead to a deeper appreciation for their heritage. They can encourage them to preserve and promote it in the context of global cultural exchange.
Teachers, with their direct influence on young minds, can integrate the insights gained from these gatherings into their teaching, making cultural education more dynamic and relevant.
Journalists, who shape public opinion, can highlight the richness of Kashmiri literature and culture and bring it into the mainstream.
Moreover, there is a need to give a new dimension to the content and structure of these literary gatherings. Various workshops, interactive sessions, and open forums can replace the traditional lecture formats, making these events more interesting and accessible. Collaboration with schools, college,s and media houses can further enhance their reach and impact.
Publishers and authors also have a role to play in this cultural renaissance. The current practice of releasing books in a closed circle needs to be reconsidered. Expanding distribution channels, using digital platforms, and translating various works into different languages can make Kashmiri literature accessible to a global audience.
It is imperative for Kashmir to boldly express its literary identity. By making literary gatherings more inclusive and diverse, the Cultural Academy and other stakeholders can ensure that Kashmiri culture is made dynamic and resilient, transcending the boundaries of traditional circles and encouraging a wider audience to appreciate and preserve it. By doing so, Kashmir’s cultural identity can be preserved and made dynamic for a wider audience.
