‘Vijayawada Book Festival’ celebrates the significance of literature in development of state

NewsBharati    02-Jan-2018
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Vijayawada, January 2: ‘Vijayawada Book Festival’ is being celebrated depicting significance of literature and culture. Inaugurated by Vice President Venkaiah Naidu, 29th Vijayawada Book Festival kicked off on the New Year eve. Stressing on the importance, VP Naidu said that “Indian culture giving divine status to the ‘alphabet’ in Vedas is an indication of the importance it gives to books and literature.” 

Addressing 29th Vijayawada Book Festival, VP Naidu said books are our good friends and good books raise our living standards.

 

"When we are in trouble, books show the way. Those who are well-educated, they are highly regarded in the society and opening a book means opening a new world," Naidu said. The Vice President expressed happiness at the fact that the Andhra Pradesh government has dedicated the year 2018 for Telugu language protection. He also said that books must “contribute to social awakening”.

“Improved rate of literacy and income levels are expected to lead to an increase in publication of books in the country. But we should look into the qualitative and quantitative aspect,” he was quoted as saying.

Further VP Naidu said that even women in the Vedic times are equally involved in writing books and Gargi, Maitreya and others have written several works. He further said that there are many female writers right from the Buddhist era to Tamil Sangam era. In the Vaishnava tradition, there are even Dalits and women among Alwars who wrote books. Also, cinema, music and other forms of art promote peace and tranquillity.

“We can preserve our culture and tradition through language only. We have to prevent the deterioration of Telugu language. I declare this year as Telugu language development year,” Naidu said.