By Kiran Galani
The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu gave a speech about the importance Indian culture gave to books and literature and how this was reflected by the divine status given to alphabet in the Vedas. He gave the speech after inaugurating the 29th Vijayawada Book Festival in Andhra Pradesh, which was well attended by several dignitaries including the CM, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu.
The ascent of the Navyandhra Pustaka Sambaraalu
The Book Festival was organised by the Vijayawada Book Festival Society at PWD Grounds in the city. Scheduled to continue up to the 15th of January, the exhibition is being conducted in the name of Navyandhra Pustaka Sambaraalu, according to the society representatives, K Lakshmaiah and Vijayakumar. Several national and international book publishers and sellers are also expected to participate in the exhibition, which will be open from 2 pm to 9 pm, daily. The society made arrangements to conduct cultural programmes and debates. Prominent personalities were felicitated on this occasion and the NTR Trust also announced its support to the event.
The significance of the Book Festival 2018
Books and literature have the power to influence our thoughts and ideas, and are excellent tools to broaden our horizons and experience the world without moving an inch. In his speech, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu spoke about how books could be our good friends and how good books raise peoples living standards by exposing them to the varying aspects of the world. He also explained that in times of trouble, books could show us the way through the wisdom they bestow upon us.
The VP elaborated on the importance of inclusiveness in Vedic literature. He talked about the fact that there was a balance of power between the genders because women in the Vedic literature were equally involved in writing books. There were several famous titles by female authors like Gargi and Maitreya. There were many female writers right from the Buddhist era to Tamil Sangam era. In the Vaishnava tradition, there were even several Dalits and women among Alwars who wrote books.
The future outlook for the initiative
Venkaiah Naidu concluded his speech by complementing the Andhra Pradesh government for taking the initiative to promote Telugu language. He expressed his delight to know that the government has dedicated 2018 to Telugu language protection. One can only hope that all other states along with the public at large realise the importance of literature and languages and the impact it can have on their lives and continue to promote it.
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