Books most powerful companions of knowledge, culture and

ideas: Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay

Books develop knowledge, thoughts, values and imagination

in children: Basic Education Minister Sandeep Singh

Yogi government developing libraries as knowledge centers:

Secondary Education Minister Gulab Devi

Lucknow, 12 Sept (HS): Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

inaugurated the fifth edition of the Gomti Book Festival 2026 on Saturday in

the historic grounds of Lucknow University. Organized jointly by the National

Book Trust, the Uttar Pradesh government, Lucknow University, and the Department

of Basic and Secondary Education, the nine-day book festival will run from

September 12 to 20, 2026. The festival will feature a book exhibition, author

dialogues, symposia, poetry conferences, lectures, book releases, quizzes, and

storytelling, along with various informative and creative activities.

On this occasion, Higher Education Minister Yogendra

Upadhyaya stated that books are the collected and documented documents of

knowledge. Humans are God's greatest creation because they possess knowledge,

wisdom, and intelligence. It is through these that ideas are formed, and when

this collection of ideas is written down, it takes the form of a book. He

stated that books, which impart knowledge and values, while also introducing us

to our language, culture, and traditions, lead to literature. Citing Pandit

Ramchandra Shukla, he said that literature is a repository of a society's

accumulated knowledge. Books impart beauty and respect to language. Citing

examples of the same word having different meanings in different contexts, he

emphasized that this diversity and beauty of language enriches our

understanding through books and literature.

Minister Upadhyaya said that books are our guides, friends,

and advisors. When a person's feelings are expressed and documented, they

become a book. Such book festivals are an important medium for documenting

feelings and expressions and providing a platform for new writers. Events such

as seminars, poetry conferences, lectures, and book launches provide new

writers with the opportunity to showcase their talent and work. He said that in

the digital age, when people, especially the new generation, are losing their

connection to books, such events are bringing children and youth back closer to

books. Book fairs provide books on various subjects and authors in one place,

which fosters a reading interest and study habit among readers. Expressing

gratitude to the National Book Trust, Lucknow University, and all the

organizers for organizing the event, he said that such events play an important

role in guiding and inspiring future generations.

Minister of State for Basic Education (Independent Charge)

Sandeep Singh said that Lucknow has been a center of a rich tradition of

literature, culture, and art. Consequently, this nine-day Gyan Mahakumbh is an

innovative effort to connect the new generation with books, literature, and

their culture. He said that in Indian tradition, knowledge is considered the

most valuable asset. Elementary education is the first step on the journey of knowledge,

and books are the easiest and most powerful companion on this journey. Books

not only impart knowledge of letters to children, but also develop knowledge,

thoughts, values, and imagination within them. Books, especially in the early

stages, play a crucial role in shaping children's curiosity, imagination, and

thinking.

Minister Singh said that while digital technology is

essential, books are unique in shaping ideas. Screens show the world, but books

empower understanding. The Uttar Pradesh government is organizing a

Screen to Pages Festival in Lucknow and Prayagraj, featuring book

exhibitions, author conversations, quizzes, and more. He advised young people

to connect with the country's history, culture, and literature to broaden their

understanding of India and its conditions. The Education Department will also

engage children in the Book Festival, introducing them to a variety of books

and broadening their thinking.

Minister of State for Secondary Education (Independent

Charge) Gulab Devi said that under the guidance of Chief Minister Yogi

Adityanath, education is no longer limited to the four walls of the school and

the curriculum, but is being made the basis for the all-round development of

youth. Libraries are important centers of this campaign. Under the Secondary

Education Department, state public libraries as well as school libraries are

being continuously strengthened and made useful for the public. She explained

that the state's public libraries are no longer just bookshelves, but are being

developed as knowledge centers equipped with modern IT equipment, comfortable

furniture, and digital facilities. This is leading to a steady increase in the

number of readers in public libraries.

The Secondary Education Minister informed that Project

Alankar has been implemented to make the state's schools world-class. Under

this, dilapidated buildings in 2,107 government secondary schools were

renovated, and 591 aided schools also benefited. To enhance students' technical

knowledge, ICT labs have been established in 1,841 government schools and smart

classes in 1,236 schools. Career guidance programs are being conducted in 2,332

government schools to guide them for their future. To empower girls,

self-defense training is being provided in 2,435 government schools under

Mission Shakti. She urged students to utilize their time wisely, focus on a

regular routine, and work hard. She advised positive thinking and peer support.

She advised parents to connect with their children and avoid excessive mobile

phone use, as it impacts social life. Students should use their mobile phones

only for useful content.

On this occasion, Chief Minister's Advisor Awanish Awasthi,

National Book Trust Chairman Professor Milind Sudhakar Marathe, National Book

Trust Director Yuvraj Malik, Lucknow University Vice Chancellor Professor J.P.

Saini, Basic and Secondary Education Department Additional Chief Secretary

Partha Sarathi Sen Sharma, senior officials of the Education Department,

parents, students, writers, litterateurs and distinguished guests were present.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi