Ahmedabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inauguration ceremony of ‘Kalam no Carnival’ Book Fair organized by Navbharat Sahitya Mandir in Ahmedabad through a video message.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister conveyed his heartiest congratulations on the grand occasion of ‘Kalam no Karnaval’. The Chief Minister expressed satisfaction that the tradition of book fair started by ‘Nav Bharat Sahitya Mandir’ in Ahmedabad is getting richer with each passing year. The Chief Minister acknowledged that the book fair has become a platform for young and emerging writers and is also helping to expand Gujarati literature and knowledge. The Chief Minister congratulated Navbharat Sahitya Mandir and all its members for this rich tradition.
The Chief Minister added that ‘Kalamno Carnival’ is a big convention of books in Hindi, English and Gujarati languages. Shri Modi mentioned that when he was the Chief Minister of Gujarat, the state had also launched the ‘Vanche Gujarat’ campaign and today, campaigns like ‘Kalam no Carnival’ are only taking that determination of Gujarat forward. He further added that books and texts are the basic elements of our Vidya Upasana. “There is a very old tradition of libraries in Gujarat.” The Chief Minister highlighted the contributions of Vadodara Maharaja Sayajirao Gaikwad ji who established libraries in all the villages of his area, Maharaja Bhagwat Singh Ji of Gondal who contributed a huge dictionary called ‘Bhagwat Gomandal’ and the heroic poet Narmad who edited ‘Narm Kosh’ . The Chief Minister said, “The history of Gujarat has been very rich in terms of books, authors, literary creation. I would like such book fairs to reach people in every corner of Gujarat, especially the youth, so that they get to know the rich history and get inspired.
The Prime Minister drew everyone’s attention that the book fair is taking place during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav fair. He further added that reviving the history of our freedom struggle is one of the main aspects of Amrit Mahotsav. “We are bringing before the country the glory of the forgotten chapters of the war for freedom. Events like ‘Kalama no carnival’ can give impetus to this campaign in the country”, said the Prime Minister. He emphasized that special importance should be given to books related to freedom struggle and such writers should be provided a strong platform. The Prime Minister added that “I am sure that this event will be a positive medium in this direction”.
The Prime Minister reiterated that writings, texts and books should be studied continuously so that they remain effective and useful. He further elaborated that it is even more important in today’s time where people tend to take the help of the internet. “Technology is definitely an important source of information for us, but it is not the way to replace books, the study of books.” The Prime Minister said that when the information is in our mind, the brain processes that information in depth and it gives new dimensions. “This paves the way for new research and innovation. Books become our best friend in this,” the Prime Minister added.
The Prime Minister concluded his speech by emphasizing that it is extremely important to indulge in the habit of reading books, especially in a rapidly changing world. “Whether the books are in physical form or in digital form!” he said, “I believe that events like this will play a big role in creating the necessary attraction for the book among young people and helping them understand their importance”.
