Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2025 Kicks Off with Vibrant Energy
The Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2025 officially opened its doors on Friday at the Sabarmati Riverfront Event Centre, marking the beginning of an eleven-day literary celebration that has already captured the hearts of book enthusiasts across the city. The event saw a spectacular inauguration by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, setting the stage for what promises to be one of Ahmedabad's most significant cultural events.
Organized jointly by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation and the National Book Trust of India, the festival began around 11 am and quickly transformed into a vibrant hub of literary activity. The venue came alive with the enthusiastic arrival of students from numerous schools, all eager to explore the world of books and creativity.
Hundreds of Thematic Stalls and Engaging Activities
The event space featured hundreds of beautifully designed stalls, each following specific themes that catered to diverse reading preferences. Visitors could explore sections dedicated to novels, biographies, and self-help titles, while younger readers enjoyed specialized areas with poetry, drawing books, and educational materials. Dedicated spaces for religious and cultural literature also attracted substantial crowds throughout the opening day.
The festival organizers arranged various engaging activities including drawing and writing competitions that saw enthusiastic participation from young students. The energy was palpable as children and adults alike immersed themselves in the world of literature and creative expression.
Booksellers expressed satisfaction with the overwhelming response on the inaugural day. One vendor shared, "The response has been pretty good. So many kids are genuinely interested in reading and discovering new books," reflecting the positive atmosphere that characterized the event's beginning.
Prominent Authors Share Insights and New Releases
Among the distinguished authors present was Rajesh Seth, who shared his perspective on the enduring importance of reading in our digital age. "It's hard for people to read books in the time of AI, but they're still reading," Seth observed. "The kids here are feeling the touch of books, involving themselves, and enjoying it." His comments highlighted the festival's broader mission to celebrate and revitalize reading culture in an increasingly technology-driven world.
The event also witnessed the launch of Jay Patel's debut book "Barrister Mr Patel", released to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The Indian-American author and investor spent two years researching and traveling to London to create this detailed account of Sardar Patel's journey from barrister to national unifier.
Jay Patel recounted his personal journey from Ahmedabad to New York and how a film research project inspired him to explore Sardar Patel's legacy. "I visited his house, read deeply about his life, and got inspired," he stated. "One particular incident moved me – during a court hearing, Sardar received a letter about his wife's death but didn't react until the case ended. That strength and composure reflect his character."
The book, co-authored with filmmaker Abhishek Dudhaiya, will be placed in top US universities alongside works about global leaders like Nelson Mandela and George Washington. Dudhaiya shared additional insights into Sardar Patel's character, noting, "When both Sardar and his brother applied to study law in London and only one could go, Sardar chose to let his brother go. That act of sacrifice truly shows the greatness of his character."
Eleven Days of Literary Celebration Ahead
The opening day has set a powerful precedent for the remaining ten days of the festival, with organizers scheduling more than 300 events, live sessions, art workshops, and cultural evenings. The Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2025 is positioning itself as one of the city's largest literary gatherings, demonstrating that even in the era of artificial intelligence, the magic of physical books and human stories continues to captivate minds and hearts.
The successful commencement proves that the timeless appeal of books remains strong, bringing together generations of readers in a shared celebration of knowledge, creativity, and inspiration.
