On this occasion, the CM interacted warmly with children and emphasized the importance of introducing them to books. He also gifted books to schoolgirls and Anganwadi workers.
Photo: SNS
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the fourth Gomti Book Festival at Lucknow University on Saturday.
On this occasion, the CM interacted warmly with children and emphasized the importance of introducing them to books. He also gifted books to schoolgirls and Anganwadi workers.
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“A good book becomes a worthy guide, always illuminating the path of life and helping us move forward,” he said.
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Addressing the inaugural ceremony, the CM added, “For the next nine days, the book fair at Lucknow University will offer visitors a grand confluence of knowledge and literature.” He urged children and youth to spend less time on smartphones and dedicate at least one hour daily to reading creative and knowledge-enhancing books.
Citing examples from Indian tradition, the CM said sages like Yajnavalkya showed society the path of knowledge. Narrating the episode of Rishi Yajnavalkya and his wives Katyayani and Maitreyi, he stressed that the pursuit of knowledge should be life’s supreme goal.
The CM praised the National Book Trust for upholding the tradition of organizing the Gomti Book Festival. He highlighted that this year’s event features more than 250 stalls showcasing books in multiple languages, ranging from children’s literature to works of renowned authors.
On this occasion, the CM presented children with the book Exam Warriors, authored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said that if children study it carefully, they will find it easier to succeed in examinations and competitions.
Highlighting India’s rich knowledge heritage, the CM referred to contributions by Takshashila University, Panini, Sushruta, and the Brahmavettas. He explained that Takshashila was named after Taksh, the son of Bharat (Lord Ram’s brother).
He emphasized that reading and progress have always been part of India’s civilizational ethos, aligning with the Prime Minister’s message: “When citizens read, the country leads.”
Citing the immortal works of Maharishi Valmiki and Goswami Tulsidas, the CM said that original creations not only achieve timelessness but also make their creators immortal. He urged students to enrich their academic learning by cultivating the habit of reading good books.
Reiterating the message of “Swasth Nari, Sashakt Samaj” (Healthy Women, Empowered Society), the CM said that a strong nation is built upon healthy women. He appealed to children of all schools in Lucknow to attend the festival and encouraged every student to purchase at least one book.
The Gomti Book Festival will run from September 20 to 28. During the program, the CM specially presented books to Anganwadi workers Sunita Shukla, Deepmala, Kusum, Poonam Pal, Vinita Pathak, Gyanwati, and Tarawati. He also visited various stalls at the exhibition.
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