Valley of Knowledge and Book Village in Kashmir

  

Valley of Knowledge and Book Village in Kashmir

An effort to make Kashmir again a seat of learning!

 

Buzz talk at the recently concluded World Book Fair in New Delhi was Sarhad’s announcement to make Lolab Valley of Kupwara district as “Valley of Knowledge” and Argam Village of Bandipora District as “Book of Village.” in collaboration with J&K Union Territory administration. Shri Yuvraj Malik of the National Book Trust was so impressed by the idea that NBT sponsored a book stall at the World Book Fair to promote the idea among knowledge lovers coming from across the globe.

 Valley of Knowledge is a unique idea, the first time in the world, which is shaping up in the amazing Lolab valley of the Kupwara district. This oval-shaped valley, close to the ancient seat of knowledge, Sharda Peth of Neelam Valley, now in POK,  has been enveloped by fabulous beauty and tranquillity. To revive the ancient tradition of knowledge in Kashmir, Lolab Valley has been selected by Sarhad to transform it into a modern seat of knowledge, where an opportunity to continue the process of contribution in knowledge and research will be offered. The libraries, book fairs, and seminars based on various streams of Kashmir’s literature will be conducted around the year with the opportunity to develop new thoughts to enrich the modern world. Sarhad is planning to develop reading spots in tune with the surrounding nature. Sarhad also is in the process of inviting universities and educational institutes to build their modern facilities where students from various countries can come and study in the subjects of their liking with open minds. This way Lolab Valley can acquire the real status of the “Valley of Knowledge”. As an effect, the valley will attract knowledge seeker tourists to contribute to the economy of Lolab Valley.

 Book Villages are not a new idea. There are some book towns in Spain, France, and America, among many nations, are known for book fairs and the availability of easy-to-pick and read books on the streets where readers can get a cozy reading spot to engross in the literature. In India too, though on a small scale, a couple of villages were declared as book villages. But Book Village at Argam (Bandipora District) will be unique in its style as from ancient Kashmiri Manuscripts to modern Kashmiri literature will be made available to the readers in libraries, select homes, restaurants, tourist spots, and on streets. The libraries will be equipped with all modern amenities including the availability of audiobooks. The Argam village will be such kind of village where the ancient wisdom of Kashmir will echo in every visitor's heart.

For ages identity of Kashmir has been a center of knowledge and wisdom.  Kashmir led the literary, philosophical, and religious movements from ancient times that became a guiding force for not only Indians but the people across West, Central, and East Asia. Shaivism and Buddhism flourished here in a unique manner. The fourth Buddhist council was held in Kashmir during the reign of Kanishka. Later on, Sufism also took root in the land of wisdom. By the second century, it became a seat of learning. Kashmiri Buddhist missionaries traveled far and across West, Central, and East Asia to spread Buddhism.  In the fourth century, Kumarjiva was the first known monk, who learned and spread Buddhism in Central Asia to China.  He influenced the Chinese Emperor and spearheaded the translations of Sanskrit works into the Chinese language. Notable scholar Vasugupta founded Kashmiri Shavism. Abhinav Gupta was a scholar of great abilities who wrote many philosophical treaties on Kashmiri Shavism with invaluable fresh visionary contributions. During the glorious era of Lalitaditya Muktapida, in the 8^th century, Kashmir saw its empire spreading to Afghanistan, Bactria, Gilgit-Baltistan, Ladakh, and almost half of the Indian subcontinent. During his reign, art, architecture, and philosophy prospered to take new glorious heights. Kalhana of “Rajtarangini” is the first Indian historian who wrote the history o Kashmir chronologically and is considered to be the most accurate. During the reign of the Sultan, of the 15th century, Zain-ul-Abidin, Kashmir set an example of socio-religious harmony. Sufi saints like Sheikh Nooruddin Noorani, who is traditionally revered by Hindus as Nund Rishi, combined elements of Kashmiri Shaivism with Sufi mysticism in his discourses. Kashmir became a land of cultural confluences across Asia, thus creating an entirely unique culture to be proud of.

From ancient times knowledge seekers from around the world have been visiting Kashmir to learn philosophy. World-famous travelers/ monks like Itsing, Xuanzang, O’Kong, Hiecho, Alberuni, Sayyid Ali Hamadani, etc. are notable among them. Their travelogues are full of praises of Kashmir where various branches of knowledge were flourishing unbounded.

The tradition is needed to be revived. The idea of Book Village at Argam and Vally of Knowledge at picturesque Lolab Valley is the pioneering step being taken by Mr. Sanjay Nahar of Sarhad in association with district administrations of UT in this direction. It is necessary to tell the world that Kashmir is not only famous for its amazing natural beauty but it also has a rich tradition of wisdom and knowledge. The efforts in direction were praised by the visitors at World Book Fair is a positive sign that assures, yes, Kashmir is leading towards the epitome of knowledge again to reacquire its lost position!

 

-Sanjay Sonawani