Srinagar, Jul 25: Thousands of students from schools, colleges and universities across Jammu & Kashmir participated in a historic 5-km Reading Marathon along the banks of Dal Lake on Saturday, setting a new record for promoting reading and environmental awareness.
The event, organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), India, in collaboration with Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd was held as part of the Chinar Book Festival 2026 and Shiksha Saptah.
In a first-of-its-kind achievement for Jammu & Kashmir, a total of 4,644 children participated in the marathon, earning recognition from both the Asia Book of Records and the India Book of Records for the “Maximum Children Participating in a Marathon to Promote Reading and Environment.”
The initiative combined fitness, literature and environmental consciousness, aiming to cultivate reading habits among young people while encouraging sustainable practices. The enthusiastic participation of students turned the scenic Boulevard Road into a celebration of books, learning and nature, reinforcing the festival’s theme, “Together We Read, Together We Lead.”
The marathon was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, Senior Superintendent of Police Srinagar G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Chief Convenor of the Chinar Book Festival Dr Amit Wanchoo, and CEO of Bisleri International Pvt. Ltd. Dr Angelo George.
Welcoming the participants, Dr Amit Wanchoo described the Reading Marathon as a unique initiative that combines the joy of reading with the responsibility of protecting the environment. Dr Angelo George lauded the National Book Trust for creating a platform that connects books with environmental consciousness and inspires young readers.
Addressing the gathering, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha termed the marathon a unique celebration of knowledge, fitness and responsibility towards nature. He said the initiative reflects the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by demonstrating that education extends beyond classrooms.
He urged the young participants to adopt three lifelong resolutions – making reading a daily habit, contributing to environmental conservation, and striving to bring positive change to society.
The event also honoured the winners of the Shikarathon, with Tanveer Ahmad Bhat securing the first position, followed by Muzaffar Ahmad and Manzoor Ahmad.
The winners of the 5-km Reading Marathon were felicitated in both boys’ and girls’ categories. In the girls’ section, Mansha Zehra of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Kothibagh, claimed the top position, while Aymaan Gulzar and Uribeen Imtiyaz secured second and third places, respectively.
In the boys’ category, Musaib Shabir Bhat of Boys Higher Secondary School, Hazratbal, emerged as the winner. Zubair Ahmad of Higher Secondary School, Shalimar, finished second, while Farhad Latief of Government Higher Secondary School, Palpora, secured the third position. Special recognition was also presented to young participants Azhar Abbas and Fazil Abbas.
