Yogi Adityanath Inaugurates Gomti Book Festival
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday called on children and young people to dedicate more time to reading and less to smartphones. He was speaking at the inauguration of the fourth Gomti Book Festival at Lucknow University.
“The pursuit of knowledge should be life’s supreme goal. Children and youth should spend at least an hour daily with books that enhance creativity and knowledge,” Adityanath said.
The nine-day festival, running until September 28, promises visitors a vibrant celebration of literature. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the event offers a platform where students, authors, and readers can explore a wide range of books.
CM Highlights India’s Knowledge Tradition
Adityanath emphasized India’s long-standing tradition of scholarship and learning. Referring to sages like Yajnavalkya, he said that Indian seers always guided society on the path of wisdom.
He highlighted the ancient university of Takshashila and the contributions of intellectuals like Panini, Sushruta, and the Brahmavettas. “Takshashila was named after Taksh, the son of Bharat, Lord Ram’s brother. Reading and progress have always been integral to India’s heritage,” he noted.
Quoting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the CM said, “When citizens read, the country leads.” He described the works of Maharishi Valmiki and Tulsidas as timeless creations that continue to inspire generations.
Encouraging Students to Embrace Books
In his interaction with school students, Adityanath presented them with “Exam Warriors,” a book authored by Prime Minister Modi. He said the book provides simple strategies to excel in studies and competitive exams.
“If children read the book carefully, achieving success in examinations will become much easier. Students should connect with books instead of wasting hours on smartphones,” he said.
With over 20,000 students at Lucknow University, the CM urged each one to purchase at least one book from the festival. Calling the fair a “Mahakumbh of books,” he encouraged students to expand their knowledge beyond academics.
Women’s Health and Nation Building
Adityanath also touched upon the importance of women’s health, saying that a healthy society and strong nation depend on it. As part of the event, he gifted books to Anganwadi workers and visited several stalls to interact with publishers and readers.
Prominent dignitaries present included Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, CM’s advisor Awanish Kumar Awasthi, National Book Trust chairman Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Lucknow University vice chancellor Prof. Manuka Khanna, and noted author and filmmaker Chandra Prakash Dwivedi.
Festival as a Hub of Knowledge
Organizers expect the Gomti Book Festival to become a major attraction for students, educators, and families. With thousands of books on display across genres, the fair aims to strengthen the culture of reading among the youth.
By linking India’s ancient knowledge systems with modern educational needs, Adityanath’s message at the inauguration highlighted the importance of balancing digital engagement with meaningful reading.