World Book Day-2026 :Srinagar’s Oriental Research Library houses 6,000 rare manuscripts in 17 languages: DG Libraries

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24 Apr 2026

Srinagar, Apr 23: A series of events were organized by Department of Libraries & Research on Thursday across Kashmir division to commemorate the World Book & Copyright Day-2026.

To mark the day, today’s main event was organized at SPS Central Library complex with an Exhibition of Special Literary Collections including Manuscripts, Rare Books and Miniature Paintings. The exhibition was opened to public by Rubina Kousar, Director General, Libraries & Research, J&K.

The main attractions of the exhibition, jointly organized by SPS Library Srinagar & the Oriental Research Library (ORL) Srinagar, were the historic manuscripts like Qarabai-Din, Sadh PandLuqman and Shahnama Firdous. Some of the rare books including Mahabharata & Ramayana, Rajtarangni by Kalhanna, Tareekh-e-Rasheedi, Gazetteer of India and Kashur - a history of Kashmir were also displayed at the exhibition.

Speaking on the occasion, Kousar said the Oriental Research Library, Srinagar established in 1904, is a repository of around 6000 rare manuscripts in 17 languages encompassing varied fields. The library also has around 500 rare books and miniature paintings.

Rubina said the manuscript collection of ORL is a treasure-trove of religious, philosophical, historical, literary and scientific writings rich in classical languages like Persian, Sanskrit, Hindi, Urdu, Turki, Brij Bhasha and Arabic.

These languages have left deep impression on Kashmiri language by conditioning its growth in terms of forms and scope, she said and added that the Sanskrit, language of court and culture in 9th and beginning of the 10th century in Kashmir contributes number of religious, aesthetic and poetic articulations and are preserved in ORL Srinagar.

She said such exhibitions make our young generation aware about, the culture, traditions, heritage and history of Jammu and Kashmir. A large number of people from different walks of life visited the exhibition and evinced keen interest in the rare literary resources.

Book exhibitions and other activities including literary tours of libraries to re-discover the magic of books and re-inculcate reading habits among the youth were organised in District and Tehsil Libraries across Kashmir as part of World Book & Copyright Day-2026 events.

In recent years, the Department of Libraries has prioritised reference books for IAS/KAS/NEET/JEE and other competitive exams, leading to a significant rise in youth footfall at public libraries.

World Book and Copyright Day is celebrated on April 23 every year to promote the love for reading and writing. Proclaimed by UNESCO in 1995, the day commemorates the passing away of literary legends including William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, all of whom passed away on this day. This year's theme for World Book and Copyright Day is – “Literacy through multilingualism and access to books for all".