Drabu inaugurates refurbished Kitab Ghar

Srinagar: Minister of Finance, Labour and Employment and Culture Dr Haseeb A Drabu today inaugurated the refurbished Kitab Ghar at M A Road Srinagar.

The famous and historical book shop was damaged in last year’s floods and has now been renovated. The Finance Minister said that Kashmir has a rich culture and it has produced valuable literature which needs to be disseminated to the general masses.

“We are working towards cultural revival wherein such work will be made available not only in the state but all over the world,” he said.

Dr Drabu said Kashmiri culture is a culture based on inclusivity and taking care of each other’s sensitivities. “If people read the work of authors like Ahad Zargar and Nyam Saeb, they won’t even think to harm anyone.”

The Finance Minister asked the concerned officials to further expand the Kitab Ghar to include a reading room, cyber café and a coffee shop in it. “We will also start Public Private Partnership with other players so that the books in original shape as well as in translated forms are available at other places too,” he added.

Secretary Academy of Art and Culture Dr Aziz Hajni, other officials and civil society members were also present on the occasion. Various books published by the academy are available at the Kitab Ghar at modest prices.