Pune, Dec 21: Chandrakant Dada Patil, the Minister of Higher and Technical Education of Maharashtra, visited the 9-day Pune Book Festival on Thursday morning. He lauded organizers including Rajesh Pande and highlighted the remarkable response from the public.
Organized by the National Book Trust of India (NBT), digitally partnered with NewsBharati, the Pune Book Festival marks the first of its kind in the city. Despite the NBT's track record of hosting book festivals across various cities, the overwhelming success and engagement witnessed in Pune have left organizers pleasantly surprised. With 4 days still still remaining, the festival is on track to achieve record-breaking book sales in the crores.
The Maharashtra Minister acknowledged the efforts of Rajesh Pande praising his meticulous preparations over the past two months as his dedication played a pivotal role in making the festival a resounding success.
He also highlighted beyond the varied types of books, the festival also features book launches, interactive sessions, and seminars exploring the world of literature in several languages. Attendees are treated to a diverse experience, with food stalls adding to the festive atmosphere.
He also noted that the Pune Book Festival has etched its name in the prestigious Guinness World Records, further solidifying its status as a groundbreaking cultural event.
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Minister Patil, in an interview, expressed his initial misconception about the reading habits of the youth. Contrary to the belief that today's youth may not be avid readers, the festival provided a revelation. Witnessing school and college students actively engaging with books and making informed choices, he realized that the youth indeed values the written word.
A heartwarming incident further underscored the impact of the festival on young minds. He shared an anecdote about a school student who, eager to buy books worth Rs 600, only had two Rs 500 notes. Rajesh Pande stepped in, and told him to buy those books and the remaining Rs 100, he will offer it. This exemplifies not only individual interest but also a collective effort to promote a culture of reading among friends.
The Pune Book Festival, far from signaling the demise of reading habits, exemplifies the evolving nature of literature consumption across generations. It stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of books and the community's commitment to fostering a love for reading. As the festival continues to captivate minds and hearts, it sets a benchmark for future literary events in the region.