The 36th edition of the celebrated Vijayawada Book Festival commenced with grandeur at the Indira Gandhi Municipal Corporation (IGMC) Stadium on Friday. The event was formally inaugurated by Supreme Court Judge Justice Pamidighantam Narasimha, who was joined by Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly deputy speaker Raghu Rama Krishna Raju and other dignitaries.
A Tribute to Literary Legacy
Marking the beginning of the festival, Justice Narasimha and Deputy Speaker Raju paid heartfelt floral tributes to the portrait of the late author and psychologist BV Pattabhiram. The main stage of the book fair has been named in honour of Pattabhiram, recognising his significant contributions to literature and psychology.
Championing the Mother Tongue and Reading Culture
In his inaugural address, Justice Narasimha shared personal anecdotes from his childhood, recalling his regular engagement with Telugu newspapers. He delivered a powerful message on the collective responsibility of safeguarding one's mother tongue. The judge asserted that the duty to protect and promote native languages does not rest solely with institutions but is a shared responsibility of every citizen.
Eloquently describing books as lifelong companions, Justice Narasimha noted, "Some books leave an indelible impression and remain with individuals throughout their lives. Similarly, language shares a similar bond, like kinship, that becomes inseparably woven into one's identity." He praised the Vijayawada Book Festival Society for its remarkable commitment, evident in organising the literary event continuously for 36 years.
A Call to Action for Parents and Society
Justice Narasimha placed strong emphasis on the critical need to cultivate reading habits from an early age. He issued a call to action, urging parents, teachers, and the broader society to actively encourage children to read books. He highlighted that this practice would not only strengthen language proficiency but also deepen cultural roots and personal identity.
The inauguration sets the stage for a vibrant celebration of literature, attracting bibliophiles, authors, and publishers from across the region to the IGMC Stadium in Vijayawada for the coming days.
