Ranchi: Every year on April 23rd, 'World Book Day' is celebrated across the globe. This day is dedicated to literature, authors, and the culture of reading. On this occasion, Sanjay Sarraf—Vice President of Hindi Sahitya Bharati and Spokesperson for the Jharkhand Parents Association—highlighted the significance of books and delivered a message urging society to become more conscious of the pursuit of knowledge.
A Historic Day for the Literary World
Sanjay Sarraf noted that this day was first established by **UNESCO** in 1995. The date, April 23rd, was specifically chosen because it coincides with the birth or death anniversaries of renowned literary figures such as William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega.
The Growing Relevance of Books in the Digital Age
Discussing the increasing influence of mobile technology and the internet in contemporary times, he stated:
"In today's era, the importance of books has grown even further. Books are not merely repositories of knowledge; they also enrich an individual's cognitive abilities and creativity. Knowledge is the greatest power, and books serve as the most accessible medium for acquiring this power."
Key Objectives and Activities
World Book Day is observed with the aim of fostering a reading habit within society and promoting respect for authors' rights (copyright). On this occasion:
* Book fairs and literary seminars are organized at various locations.
* The hard work and dedication of authors and publishers are encouraged and celebrated.
* Children and youth are inspired to engage with literature.
In his concluding remarks, Sanjay Sarraf emphasized that books serve as a powerful medium for providing direction to society. He urged everyone to make space for books in their lives and to cultivate the habit of reading, thereby contributing to the creation of a positive and enlightened society.
