Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today emphasised that books are not merely sources of information but powerful instruments of transforming lives, broadening perspectives and inspiring positive change in society. He observed that while technology has made information readily accessible, true knowledge and wisdom come from books and life experiences. Stressing that there is no substitute for books, he said that reading not only enriches individuals but also cultivates curiosity, sensitivity and the ability to understand life from different perspectives.
Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the 29th Kochi International Book Festival in Kochi, Shri Birla emphasised the importance of cultivating reading habits and inspiring others to read. He observed that books preserve generations of wisdom and experience, inspire and guide individuals and foster discipline, determination and a sense of purpose.
Drawing a distinction between information and knowledge, Shri Birla observed that digital technology has enhanced access to information, but books and human experiences remain vital for deeper understanding and sensitivity. Emphasising lifelong learning, he highlighted curiosity as essential to acquiring knowledge and noted that books inspire hope, resilience and the pursuit of constructive goals.
Highlighting India's extraordinary diversity, Shri Birla said that the country's varied languages, religions, traditions, perspectives and ways of life constitute its unique strength. He observed that despite these differences, India remains united, and democracy is the greatest force binding the nation together. Shri Birla emphasised that democracy teaches people to respect differing opinions and ideologies and to live together in harmony. He further stressed that while opinions may differ, all citizens must stand united when it comes to the interests of the nation.
Speaking on the role of language and literature in promoting national unity, Shri Birla observed that languages connect rather than divide people. He highlighted the contribution of India's rich linguistic traditions, including Malayalam, Kannada and Telugu, in preserving and promoting the country's cultural, spiritual and intellectual heritage. He noted that writers have taken India's history, values and democratic ideals to the world, while digital translation has further expanded literature's reach across linguistic boundaries.
Appreciating Keralam's contributions to education, literature, science and technology, Shri Birla highlighted its distinction as India's first fully literate State. He observed that education has enabled Keralites to excel in India and abroad, while praising the State's traditions of service and sacrifice, particularly the contribution of its women to nursing and healthcare worldwide. Recalling Shri P. N. Panicker's pioneering contribution to Keralam's library movement, he observed that libraries and reading habits had transformed literacy and socio-economic development. He highlighted the Kerala Granthasala movement's role in spreading knowledge and appreciated Keralam's sustained efforts to promote reading through 'Vayana Dinam' or Reading Day, observed on 19 June.
Shri Birla commended the organisers of the Kochi International Book Festival for bringing together literary stakeholders and promoting literature. He observed that such festivals encourage intellectual exchange, nurture reading habits and provide access to diverse ideas. He called for greater efforts to take Kerala's rich literary, spiritual and cultural heritage to India and the world through books and translations. He congratulated the organisers and expressed hope that the Kochi International Book Festival would continue to expand its reach, inspire new generations of readers and contribute to building a more knowledgeable, sensitive and enlightened society.
Former ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of the International Book Festival Shri Madhu S. Nair, Shri Prakash Babu, Sahitya Akademi Secretary Dr. Varun Gulati, several distinguished guests, literary figures and book enthusiasts were present on the occasion.
Technology से जानकारी मिल सकती है, लेकिन ज्ञान और अनुभव का सबसे समृद्ध स्रोत आज भी पुस्तकें हैं। https://t.co/MWG0aLyNRL
पुस्तकें केवल ज्ञान ही नहीं देतीं, बल्कि जीवन में नई सोच, नई ऊर्जा और आगे बढ़ने की प्रेरणा भी देती हैं। https://t.co/oomLepQAOR
केरलम की समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक एवं बौद्धिक परंपरा की साक्षी नगरी कोच्चि में 29वें कोच्चि अंतर्राष्ट्रीय पुस्तक महोत्सव के उद्घाटन समारोह में सम्मिलित होकर उपस्थित जनसमुदाय को संबोधित किया। पुस्तकें किसी सभ्यता की स्मृति, समाज की चेतना और मानवता के अनुभवों की अमूल्य धरोहर हैं। वे ज्ञान के प्रकाश से व्यक्ति का परिष्कार करती हैं और राष्ट्र की वैचारिक नींव को सुदृढ़ बनाती हैं। विगत 28 वर्षों से यह महोत्सव साहित्य, विचारों के मुक्त आदान-प्रदान तथा भारतीय भाषाओं और नवोदित लेखकों को प्रोत्साहन देने का महत्वपूर्ण मंच बना हुआ है। साहित्य लोकतंत्र की आत्मा को संवेदना, विवेक और स्वतंत्र चिंतन से समृद्ध करता है। Artificial Intelligence एवं Digital Technology के इस युग में हमें प्रौद्योगिकी को साहित्य का सहयोगी बनाकर ज्ञान और अपनी भाषायी विरासत को नई पीढ़ियों तक पहुँचाना होगा। युवाओं से आग्रह है कि त्वरित सूचनाओं के दौर में पुस्तकों के गहन अध्ययन की परंपरा को जीवंत रखें, क्योंकि पुस्तकें ही विचारों को गहराई और जीवन को व्यापक दृष्टि प्रदान करती हैं। विश्वास है कि ऐसे आयोजन ‘वसुधैव कुटुंबकम्’ की भावना को साकार करते हुए विकसित भारत की बौद्धिक एवं सांस्कृतिक चेतना को नई ऊँचाइयाँ प्रदान करेंगे।