Pune Book Festival 2024: CM Devendra Fadnavis Highlights Role of Reading Culture in Preserving Values and Promoting Marathi

Pune Book Festival 2024: A Week-Long Literary Celebration

The Pune Book Festival 2024, held from December 14–22 at Fergusson College, is a grand celebration of literature, culture, and creativity. Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in association with the National Book Trust (NBT), the event boasts over 600 book stalls, vibrant cultural performances, and engaging literary discussions. The festival has cemented Pune’s reputation as a cultural and literary hub, drawing thousands of attendees from across the country.

Inauguration and Dignitaries

The festival was inaugurated by Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who underscored the importance of preserving a reading culture in today’s digital era. He emphasized that literature fosters creativity, which even artificial intelligence cannot replicate. Highlighting the Marathi language’s recognition as a classical language, Fadnavis called for collective efforts to preserve its legacy.

Other prominent figures included Milind Marathe, NBT President, who envisioned Pune as a global “Book Capital,” Rajesh Pande, the festival organizer, and Yuvraj Malik, NBT Director, who advocated for deeper community engagement with books. Neelam Gorhe, Deputy Speaker of the Maharashtra Legislative Council, lauded the record-breaking initiatives and urged discussions on balancing technology use among children.

Festival Highlights

• Guinness World Record: The centerpiece of the festival was the Saraswati Yantra, a massive artwork created using over 25 lakh book covers. This record-breaking initiative, supported by Neelkanth Publications and Sakal Media Group, highlighted Pune’s deep connection to literature and knowledge.
• Literary Sessions: The Lit Fest (December 20–22) featured 25 thought-provoking sessions with participation from 60+ authors, poets, journalists, and thinkers. Topics ranged from children’s literature to the future of Gen Z bestsellers.
• Pune Children’s Film Festival: Held from December 14–18, it screened acclaimed films like Desa Timun (The Cucumber Village) and The Ascent of Mt. Meru to nurture creativity and imagination among younger audiences.
• Workshops and Competitions: Activities like storytelling, art competitions, slogan writing, and Vedic mathematics workshops engaged students and families daily, fostering hands-on learning and cultural appreciation.
• Cultural Performances: Programs such as Adabi Sangam and Global Gharana brought together diverse artistic traditions, captivating audiences with their vibrancy.

A Platform for Creativity and Reflection

The Pune Book Festival is not only about books but also about fostering a vibrant cultural exchange. Key themes include preserving India’s literary heritage, promoting multilingual reading habits, and exploring the impact of technology on creativity. The festival also introduced new titles, including Exam Warriors and Shivarajyabhishek, which resonated with a wide audience.

Shaping Pune’s Legacy

The overwhelming response to the Pune Book Festival 2024 reflects the city’s growing prominence as a center for literature and culture. With its record-breaking achievements and rich programming, the festival exemplifies the enduring power of literature to inspire, connect, and transform communities. It stands as a beacon of creativity, ensuring Pune’s place on the global literary map.