In digital age, Kashmir’s iconic book stores hopeful to see revival of reading culture

Srinagar, Feb 9: The youth in Kashmir lead increasingly busy lives. Mobile phones dominate their time, filled with endless messages, notifications and scrolling.

As social media and digital devices dominate daily life, the younger generation is gradually losing interest in reading books.

As we live in a time often called the age of the internet, smartphones, modern technology and electronic devices like iPads and Kindles have changed the way people live and work digital media have become an important part of our lives we no longer approach towards the physical books. People now prefer to watch visuals and read electronic mode of content than (physical) book reading

ShiekhAijaz, owner of Gulshan book store says, “Day by day the reading culture is declining and it is only due to technology and digital distractions. He further said that the mobile phones have become an addiction to them it becomes difficult for them to pick up a book and read as reading requires long term attention and this addiction had lowered their attention spans.’’ ‘’And when I asked him about the future he said it will be worse then present,” he added.

There was a time when libraries in Kashmir were full of readers. The Allama Iqbal Library and SPS Library were safe and quiet places for people who loved books. Their shelves were filled with books that attracted many readers. Today, those libraries still stand, but the readers are declining. Smartphones have taken their place. Endless scrolling videos and memes gives Instant entertainment. But many believe that the internet is a blessing for the readers, for many reasons Sani Yasin (one of the oldest bookstore in Srinagar) says: ‘”The reading culture has not declined but the medium is being shifted from physical appearance to digital and has increased feasibility among readers”

This shop was closed from two months and when asked reasons for this he said, “Their retail centre lowered because medium was changed and feasibility came also he gives an example saying in past how many grammar books were published is totally different from how many are publishing in present there is a lot of difference”

But after two months this shop was again opened and this was only because of love of peoples as many people within or outside J&K called them to reopen their shop Sani believes that “even though the gadgets have eased lives but when it comes to reading, a hard copy is still preferred over the PDFs”; for him, the “physical appearance of the book and the feel it offers is different from the one you can get from soft copies.”

To rebuild the reading culture among the youth in Kashmir, several steps can be taken. Schools and libraries can organize reading programs such as book clubs, reading challenges, and contests to motivate students to read more.

“Government should promote books and reading culture in any way they can establish libraries, free access to books , Subsidize bookshops also parents should teach their children about the importance of reading books and prevent them from use of mobile phones,” says ShiekhAjaz. Access to books should be increased by opening more libraries, lending books, and making books affordable. Schools should encourage students to read beyond textbooks so that they develop a love for literature and improve their thinking skills. Comfortable and quiet reading spaces can be created in schools, libraries, and public places to make reading enjoyable. Reading in local languages should also be promoted to help preserve culture and connect young people to their heritage.

From the words of Sani Yasin: ‘’Reading culture should be continued either physically or digitally it should not be diminished but I prefer reading physically.” “Passionate readers will always prefer physical books or newspapers then digital media”