Opinion | Journey with Khusro Foundation at Chinar Book Festival

There are those experiences which move through our lives silently, and there are those experiences which remain rooted within us. The experience that I have gained through my presence at the stall of the Khusro Foundation in the third edition of the Chinar Book Fair organized in Srinagar, Kashmir, certainly belongs to the latter category. It was not just an experience; it was an episode of life which will keep on affecting me in terms of literature and service to humanity.

In just its third edition, The Chinar Book Festival has managed to emerge as one of the most eagerly awaited literary events in the valley. Inspired by the magnificent chinar tree that symbolizes the strength and rootedness of Kashmir, the event is an assembly of readers, writers, publishers, and intellectuals united by their common passion for literature. It is indeed an honour to be part of such an event. But being a part of it as a representative of the esteemed Khusro Foundation was an honour in its own right.

To begin with a discussion about the qualities that have enabled such a meaningful experience for me, it becomes imperative that I discuss the person who was responsible for creating it in the first place; Dr. Hafeezur Rehman Pasha. Leadership qualities are generally talked about in general terms – vision, discipline, integrity etc. but one cannot help but recognize them when it comes to Dr. Pasha. His aura exudes humility in a manner that makes everyone feel comfortable around him.

While what amazed me was not only his awareness of literature and history, which in itself is commendable, but also his sincere dedication to creating an environment of reading and learning in Kashmir. It is not that Dr. Pasha manages the Khusro Foundation from afar; rather he is there, actively involved, and truly invested in every little thing, right from arranging the books at the stall to discussing with people who happened to visit out of curiosity and ended up becoming admirers of the Foundation’s objectives.

Having worked with him, even for a short while, has been far more educational in terms of patience, accuracy, and dedication than years of mere observation ever could be. His ability to make others believe in the significance of their contribution, no matter how small, is indeed remarkable and reflects upon all those associated with Khusro Foundation.

His stature as a thinker and writer became even more evident to me through his book, An Indian Muslim Speaks, which was inaugurated by none other than the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha. The recognition the book received from such a distinguished dignitary was, in itself, a testament to the depth of Dr. Pasha’s thought and the relevance of his voice in today’s discourse. What amazed me even more was witnessing its reception among readers, the book sold out within just three days, a rare feat for any work of non-fiction, and a clear reflection of how deeply its message resonated with people across the Valley and beyond. Standing at the stall and watching copies fly off the shelves, I understood that Dr. Pasha’s words were not just being read; they were being embraced.

However, the Khusro Foundation is not just about organizing book stalls during literary festivals. The foundation is the custodian of heritage, the propagator of Sufi philosophy, and a medium to connect the ancient wisdom of great scholars such as Amir Khusro with the reader of today. The Khusro Foundation book stall at the Chinar Book Festival was no less than a miniature example of the work done by the foundation. Books had been well selected, displays were well designed, and volunteers knew all about each book as true lovers of knowledge.

It is the way people from all ages, be it students, elderly scholars or curious visitors, all stand at that stall out of the interest generated not by any marketing strategy, but the sincerity of their intentions. The conversation usually starts with a query about a book but ends up in much profound discussion about the culture of Kashmir, the philosophy of Sufism, or the need to preserve the tradition of literature in the age of technology. The Khusro Foundation, in its own subtle and consistent manner, is bringing life into literature.

Beyond the festival itself, what left the deepest impression on me was learning about the Foundation’s larger vision, to build a genuine literary environment in every school. This is not a small ambition. It speaks to a long-term commitment to nurture reading habits from the very foundation of a child’s education, so that literature becomes a natural part of growing up rather than a subject confined to textbooks. Dr. Pasha and his team see schools not just as institutions of formal learning, but as the true starting point for building a generation that reads, questions, and reflects. It is this vision that gives the Foundation’s work at events like the Chinar Book Festival a deeper meaning, every book sold, every conversation sparked, is a small step toward that larger goal.

The first day I ever entered the premises of the festival remains fresh in my memory. After I left the Foundation to complete my stint with it, I had transformed into someone else who had developed an increased understanding, inspiration, and commitment towards the fact that literature and community service can coexist. Those days were filled with engaging discussions, learning, and respect for the professionalism and warmth of the Khusro Foundation.

It wasn’t just a task of selling or exhibiting books. It was more about showcasing an ideology which needed to be represented, an ideology according to which the cultural and spiritual heritage of Kashmir needed to be preserved and taught to future generations. Dr. Pasha was successful in bringing that ideology alive during the entire duration of the festival.

In retrospect, the experience that I gained at the stall of the Khusro Foundation at the Chinar Book Festival was not just professional, but educational as well in many ways. The guidance that I received from Dr. Hafeezur Rehman Pasha has made me understand what it means to be a leader who serves, has a vision, and leads with humility.

The festival was not just an experience, but it also gave me a new sense of commitment to the mission of the Khusro Foundation and made me thankful to God that I got an opportunity to work with such leaders at the foundation.

Email: firdoujavid1@gmail.com