The nine-day Doon Book Festival was inaugurated in Dehradun by Hon’ble Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, marking a significant cultural milestone for the state. The grand opening ceremony witnessed the presence of eminent personalities including Acharya Balkrishna, Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman of the National Book Trust, Dehradun Mayor Saurabh Thapliyal, Dev Bhoomi University Vice-Chairman Aman Bansal, and NBT Director Yuvraj Malik.
In his welcome address, Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe described Uttarakhand as a vibrant confluence of culture and valour, emphasizing that reading is as essential for the mind as physical exercise is for the body. Highlighting the state’s intellectual heritage, he referenced legendary figures such as Ved Vyasa, Maharishi Kanva, Sunderlal Bahuguna, Sumitranandan Pant, and Bachendri Pal, and recited lines from Pant’s iconic poem “Main Sabse Chhoti Hoon,” celebrating the region’s literary legacy.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the festival as a unique blend of literature, art, and culture, calling Uttarakhand a ‘Devbhoomi’ of knowledge. He noted that classical poet Kalidasa composed Abhijnanashakuntalam in this region and paid tribute to literary figures such as Shailesh Matiyani, Lakshman Singh Bisht Batohi, and Ruskin Bond. He emphasized that books are vital tools for preserving knowledge and enhancing critical thinking.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister distributed books to school children and encouraged citizens to cultivate the habit of reading and purchasing books. He highlighted that such practices not only enrich individuals but also strengthen publishers and the broader knowledge ecosystem.
A major highlight of the event was the launch of 26 books in Garhwali and Kumaoni languages by the National Book Trust, promoting regional literature and linguistic heritage. The Garhwali titles included works like Chauri-Chaura Jan Kranti ko Nayo Sabero, Nanna Haira Chakhula, and Ummeedai Kiran, while Kumaoni titles such as Maati Myar Deshe ki, Abhimaanai Haar, and Gulaab ka Dagdu were also unveiled.
Speaking at the event, Acharya Balkrishna emphasized that the festival serves as a platform for cultural and intellectual exchange. Referring to the growing influence of artificial intelligence, he remarked that authentic knowledge can only be gained through reading original works by authors.
In his vote of thanks, Yuvraj Malik noted that such a large-scale literary event is being organized in Uttarakhand for the first time since the state’s formation. He expressed confidence that the Doon Book Festival will evolve into one of India’s premier literary events and help position Uttarakhand prominently on the global literary map.
