Srinagar, Mar 24: For a change, coronavirus threat is reviving the reading culture in Kashmir.

With over 3000 people in quarantine, Kashmir’s famous bookstore has donated 1000 books to help them to overcome boredom in isolation.

Gulshan Books, a famous chain of bookstores in Srinagar, on Sunday handed over 1000 books to the Srinagar Administration for distribution in various Srinagar hotels which have been turned into quarantine centers. 

“Everyone in Kashmir has been advised not to come out of their homes in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. There are many means of entertainment for people in homes. But the students who are in quarantine centers may not have any such facility,” said Sheikh Ajaz, owner of Gulshan Bookstore.

Ajaz said books are said to be the best companion and therefore he decided to donate some of the best sellers to the students feeling boredom.

 “I collected a different genre of books from my store including fiction, non-fiction, religion, politics, history, and health. I ensured some light readings for the youngsters also,” he said

Nahida (name changed), a Bangladesh returned student, housed in one of the centers, said good books, a comfortable place, and a good meal is enough to ward off depression.

“In these hard times, books will keep us away from depression and help pass 14 days with good memories. By reading, we not only will pass time but also acquire knowledge from,” she said.