August 2025 - Chinar Book Fair - Srinagar - India

Chinar Book Fair in Srinagar Highlights Continuing Relevance of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan’s Peace Mission

Srinagar, August 8, 2025 – The recently concluded Chinar Book Fair at the SKICC, Srinagar (2–8 August 2025), organized by the National Book Trust, New Delhi, witnessed a remarkable participation from Goodword Books and CPS International. With two dedicated stalls, the team showcased a wide range of Urdu and English works of Maulana Wahiduddin Khan (d. 2021), alongside Goodword’s popular children’s collection.

Representing Goodword Books and CPS International, Syed Iqbal Omeri and Khateeb Asrar Omeri engaged directly with visitors, presenting Maulana’s timeless message of peace, spiritual awakening, and positive thinking. A dedicated group of Maulana’s followers in Srinagar also joined the effort daily, on a rotational basis, to promote his literature. Among the most active contributors were Mr. Riyaz Bhat and Prof. Shad, whose constant presence and warm interaction with readers left a lasting impression.

The response from the public was both overwhelming and deeply encouraging. Many young readers not only expressed keen interest but also spent their own money to purchase Maulana’s books in significant numbers, showing genuine value for his ideas. Several visitors openly expressed admiration for his life’s mission and prayed for the acceptance of his efforts in spreading peace and harmony.

What stood out were the powerful personal testimonies. A number of visitors recalled how, during the turbulent years of militancy in Kashmir, reading Maulana’s works was not easy. Yet, his writings — rooted in peace, tolerance, and reconciliation — quietly reached young minds, steering many away from violence towards a path of constructive engagement and mutual respect. “His books changed our thinking,” some said, “from militancy to peace.”

The Goodword stall became more than just a book display — it became a place where stories of transformation were shared, and where visitors rediscovered the intellectual and spiritual legacy of a man who believed that peace is the only way.

Speaking on the experience, Syed Iqbal Omeri, Member of CPS International – Chennai Chapter, said:

> “It was truly a moment of joy and gratitude to see how Maulana’s mission continues to inspire people even after his passing. We thank Almighty God for granting us this opportunity to serve His cause, and we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the National Book Trust for organizing this fair so successfully. We are also thankful to the members of the Centre for Divine Message who not only dedicated their time and resources but also made the stall attractive and thoughtful, drawing many visitors to explore Maulana’s literature.”

The Chinar Book Fair in Srinagar not only connected readers with valuable works but also reaffirmed the continuing power of ideas to bring hearts together in the cause of peace — a cause to which Maulana Wahiduddin Khan dedicated his entire life.