Uttarakhand CM Dhami Inaugurates Nine-Day Doon Book Festival in Dehradun
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami officially inaugurated the nine-day Doon Book Festival at Parade Ground in Dehradun on Saturday. This significant literary event, organized in collaboration with the Union Ministry of Education and the Uttarakhand government, is set to conclude on April 12.
Festival Highlights and Features
The festival boasts an impressive lineup with over 300 stalls showcasing lakhs of books in both Indian languages and English. Organizers have emphasized that entry to the festival is completely free for the public, making it accessible to all book enthusiasts.
Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust, India, confirmed the extensive participation and highlighted the festival's commitment to promoting literature without financial barriers.
Literary and Cultural Confluence
During the inauguration, CM Dhami described the festival as a vibrant confluence of literature, culture, and art. He emphasized that it provides a crucial platform for the exchange of ideas among readers, writers, artists, and thinkers from across the country.
"Devbhoomi has given birth to many litterateurs and has long been a hub of knowledge and culture," Dhami stated. "The state government is actively working to preserve and promote literature by honoring writers through awards and providing grants to support publication efforts."
Special Focus on Children and Digital Reading
A key feature of the festival is the Children's Pavilion, which CM Dhami praised for its potential to foster reading habits among young readers. The pavilion will host daily storytelling sessions, workshops, quizzes, and competitions specifically designed for children.
Additionally, the festival will promote digital reading through the Rashtriya E-Pustakalaya, offering free access to thousands of books in over 22 Indian languages and English. This initiative aligns with modern educational trends and accessibility needs.
Doon Lit Fest and Author Engagements
The festival includes the Doon Lit Fest as a major highlight, featuring discussions with notable authors, filmmakers, and public figures. Participants include Nitin Seth, Kulpreet Yadav, Akhilendra Mishra, Acharya Prashant, Shubhanshu Shukla, and Lt Gen Satish Dua.
Sessions will cover diverse themes such as:
- Cinema and literature
- Leadership and patriotism
- Human-machine relationships
- Historical narratives including the Naval Uprising of 1946
- The legacy of Subhas Chandra Bose
Regional Literature and Cultural Events
In a significant move for regional literature, the festival will see the release of 13 books translated into Garhwali and Kumaoni, with participation from over 50 authors. This effort underscores the commitment to preserving and promoting local linguistic heritage.
Evening cultural events will add a festive atmosphere, while training programs for teachers are also scheduled, ensuring the festival's impact extends beyond immediate attendees.
Comprehensive Event Schedule
Over the nine days, the festival will host a variety of activities including:
- Interactive sessions and book discussions
- 'Meet the Author' events
- Literary panels and workshops
- Cultural performances in the evenings
- Educational programs for teachers and children
The Doon Book Festival represents a major cultural initiative for Uttarakhand, bringing together literary excellence, educational advancement, and community engagement in a celebration of knowledge and creativity.
