Raahat Book Club Sopore hosts launch of Rehmat Bashir’s ‘The Silent Caste Divide’
Sopore, Dec 7: In a vibrant literary gathering, the Raahat Book Club Sopore on Sunday hosted an impressive and well-attended book launch ceremony for “The Silent Caste Divide”, a powerful new release authored by Rehmat Bashir. The event drew an enthusiastic audience comprising noted writers, intellectuals, academicians, researchers, civil society members, and a group of students, reflecting the growing literary culture in the town.
The ceremony opened with a warm welcome by the chairman Raahat Book club Ashiq Hussain Zaki, who highlighted the importance of encouraging young authors and promoting literary discussions in Sopore.
Several speakers, including prominent educationists and senior writers, praised the Raahat Book Club for consistently providing a platform that nurtures creativity and critical thinking.
Participants engaged in in-depth discussions about the book’s themes and its relevance in contemporary society. They noted that caste-based discrimination, though often unspoken, continues to affect various aspects of life, and appreciated the author for courageously addressing a sensitive yet significant social issue.
Author Rehmat Bashir, while elaborating on his work, said that “The Silent Caste Divide” is an attempt to depict the lesser-talked realities surrounding caste systems, with a particular lens on Kashmiri society. He explained that the book explores daily lived experiences, silent struggles, and the resilience exhibited by individuals who navigate societal boundaries. “My aim is to spark conversations and encourage readers to introspect,” he said, adding that literature has the power to challenge norms and inspire change.
The author also introduced himself in the book as a victim of the caste system prevalent in society. He shared that his personal experiences of discrimination and social exclusion became a major inspiration behind writing The Silent Caste Divide. Bashir emphasized that the book reflects not only the collective struggles of marginalized communities but also his own journey of resilience and determination to challenge deep-rooted societal barriers.
