Lucknow : Governor of Uttar Pradesh, Anandiben Patel, visited Universal Book Sellers in Hazratganj, Lucknow, and interacted with students present at the bookstore. The visit was marked by meaningful conversations on books, learning, and the importance of cultivating a reading culture, especially among children and youth.
Governor Patel, known for her deep and personal connection with books, shared insights on how literature has consistently served as a source of contemplation, direction, and inspiration in her life. She emphasized that books are more than just vessels of knowledge—they help shape values, build character, and refine one’s worldview. “A good book,” she noted, “has the power to change the course of life and enrich the reader from within.”
Throughout her public life, the Governor has passionately advocated for developing a culture of reading. She reiterated her vision of nurturing future generations into knowledgeable, sensitive, and aware citizens through sustained reading habits. Her address encouraged students and teachers alike to view reading not as a task, but as an enriching life practice.
During the visit, Governor Patel explored a wide range of children’s books, including plays, storybooks, and vibrant illustrated versions of epics such as the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and the Srimad Bhagavad Gita tailored for young readers. She praised these titles for their inspirational content and stressed the importance of making such literature accessible at Anganwadi centres and primary schools to aid children’s mental and moral development.
A key highlight of the visit was her discussion around the concept of mobile libraries, aimed at reaching children in remote and underserved areas. Inspired by this vision, the team at Universal Book Sellers expressed their commitment to supporting such initiatives by collaborating with relevant institutions and educational foundations.
Governor Patel also showed keen interest in the book “Sanskrit Non-translatables: The Importance of Sanskritizing English” by Rajiv Malhotra, which argues that many Sanskrit terms have no exact English equivalents and should be integrated as-is into global linguistic usage. The conversation extended to the preservation and digitization of ancient manuscripts housed at Sampurnanand Sanskrit University in Varanasi and Dr. Bhimrao Ambedkar University in Agra—a topic close to the Governor’s heart.
The time spent by the Governor at the bookstore reflected her genuine affection for books and commitment to fostering a knowledge-rich society. The Universal Book Sellers family expressed their heartfelt gratitude for her visit and pledged to continue supporting efforts that promote reading and literary outreach.
The event was attended by students, faculty, staff members of Universal Book Sellers, and other distinguished guests.
