23rd National Book Fair Draws Children to a World of Books at Balrampur Garden

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Lucknow: The 23rd National Book Fair at Balrampur Garden is attracting young readers with a vibrant collection of Hindi and English books featuring colourful illustrations, comics, puzzles, activity-based learning and stories.

The Vedic Sahitya Kendra has brought comic-style books on Sardar Bhagat Singh, Swami Shraddhanand, Dayanand Saraswati and his revolutionary disciples, along with titles such as Why Believe in God? Rekhta’s stall features books including Bachchon Ki Nazmein, while the Hindi Sansthan is offering children’s editions of Premchand’s stories such as Mantra, Gilli-Danda, Panch Parmeshwar and Atmaram for just Rs 15. The Publications Division has brought Bal Bharati and other children’s literature, while Gita Press is showcasing motivational and traditional children’s stories.

Children’s sections and activity books can also be found at stalls run by Sahitya Sarovar, Rashika Enterprises, Padma Book and Paradise Book, while Sasta Sahitya Mandal, Prabhat and Nikhil Prakashan have dedicated sections for young readers. Colouring books, puzzles and handwriting-practice books are also proving popular.

A major highlight of the day was the launch of the coffee-table book Whisper of the Wild by Brajesh Kumar Mishra. The book was released by former DGP and MP Brij Lal, former IAS officer Ramkeval, former IFS officer R.S. Bhadauria, former IAS officer Sanjay Kumar and senior photographer Anil Risal Singh, in the presence of fair coordinator Manoj Singh Chandel, Dr Rajat Dhesi, Yogesh Bhatia and Rahul Mishra.

Speaking at the launch, Brij Lal stressed the importance of wildlife conservation and shared experiences from Pilibhit and Kaziranga. Author Brajesh Kumar Mishra said the book was not merely about forests but also a record of his journeys and experiences. Senior photographer Anil Risal Singh emphasised the need to preserve the environment, while R.S. Bhadauria recalled the challenges of wildlife management and shared anecdotes connected with the establishment of Kanpur Zoo. He noted that in the 1960s, hunters could legally kill 60–70 tigers annually under permits, while wildlife was also extensively traded. Former IAS officer Ramkeval shared his experiences from the forests, and Sarvesh Asthana described wildlife photography as a demanding pursuit requiring patience and sustained effort.

Several literary and cultural programmes were also held during the day. Apurva Sanstha organised a poetry and felicitation ceremony dedicated to Imroz and Majaz, along with the release of Ranjha Mera. Padma Shri Vidyavindu Singh, Ashima Singh, Kathak exponent Surabhi Singh and coordinator Sanjay Mehrotra Hamnavan felicitated Ashish Singh, Aradhana Sikarwar, Kumar Vikas and Mamta.

The Media Foundation organised the release of Dr Sultan Shakir Hashmi’s book Indian Constitution and Dr B.R. Ambedkar. Justice Qamar Hussain Rizvi, Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali, former IAS officer Chandrapal, senior journalist Hemant Tiwari, Arvind Singh Bisht and other scholars attended the programme. Dr Ammar Rizvi also visited the fair.

On the second stage, Nidhi Bajpai conducted an open-mic programme during the day. In the evening, under the chairmanship of playwright Rakesh Veda, poetry collections Nadiyan Hi Raah Batayengi and Kunwarvarti Kaise Bahe by Rakesh Kabir were released in the presence of Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali and other literary figures.

The fair, organised by Force One, is open to visitors free of charge from 11 am to 9 pm every day. Every book purchased at the fair is being offered with a minimum discount of 10 per cent.

The fair is supported by UP Metro, Radio City, Origins, Kiran Foundation, Join Hands Foundation, Lokangan, Vishwam Foundation, Vijay Studio, Golden Grass and Kavita Kisse Kahaniyan.