Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurates the fifth edition of the Gomti Book Fair
Lucknow: “There was always a concern that in the digital age, young people were moving away from books and spending their time on social media. However, the fifth edition of the Gomti Book Fair organised by the National Book Trust (NBT) has proved that today’s youth still reads books. Young people do not merely spend time on social media; they observe and understand the world around them, accumulate knowledge and use it to shape their future.” Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said this while inaugurating the fifth edition of the Gomti Book Fair 2026.
The Chief Minister said that the Gomti Book Fair would provide a platform for thousands of students and young people. “You can buy books here, and there will be several programmes that will entertain you while also enriching your knowledge. The Indian tradition has always believed that all four doors should remain open for the arrival and pursuit of knowledge. Books do not merely make you proficient in your academic curriculum; they are also a means of expanding knowledge.
“To understand the world, you have to delve deeper into books. I presented children with the Prime Minister’s book Exam Warriors, which provides valuable guidance to the younger generation. Knowledge should not be viewed within limited boundaries. Lucknow has a long and rich association with literature. Naimisharanya, a place of immense significance for understanding India’s Vedic tradition, is also located in Uttar Pradesh.
“This event is not merely a festival; it is an opportunity to understand and reflect upon thegether Indian knowledge tradition. In this digital age, we have worked to reduce the distance between villages and cities. Books published by NBT are being sent to libraries across the state. I urge children and young people to create book banks. Read books in your free time. No destination is difficult to reach; you have to create your own path. There is something here for everyone. Let us ensure that this book fair is not limited merely to buying books but becomes a platform for taking the culture of reading forward on a much wider scale.”
The Gomti Sahityotsav, organised at the University of Lucknow campus, commenced in an enthusiastic and vibrant literary atmosphere. The inaugural event was attended by eminent guests, authors, writers, publishers, academicians and book lovers associated with books, literature, language and reading culture. Speakers emphasised the important role of books in nation and society building and stressed the need to connect the younger generation with a culture of reading.
Welcoming the guests at the inaugural session, Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust, India, said that it was a matter of pride that the Gomti Book Fair had entered its fifth edition. He highlighted the unique coincidence of organising the book fair on the banks of the life-giving Gomti River. He called upon students, parents and teachers to move forward towards the goal of a “Viksit Vachak” (developed reader) alongside the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Sandeep Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Basic Education, Uttar Pradesh, said that a historic event was being organised at the university campus in the form of the Gomti Sahityotsav. He said the book fair was a meaningful initiative to connect the younger generation with books and literature.
Gulab Devi, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Secondary Education, Uttar Pradesh, said that time is extremely valuable. Many things in life can be regained, but the time available for reading cannot be brought back. Therefore, everyone should make the best possible use of every moment and strive to make life meaningful. She said awareness and dedication towards one’s responsibilities and actions are the foundation of success.
Yogendra Upadhyay, Minister of State for Higher Education, Uttar Pradesh, appreciated the initiative of the National Book Trust and said that NBT is providing an important opportunity for children and young people. Referring to the renowned literary scholar Acharya Ram Chandra Shukla’s observation that “literature is the accumulated repository of knowledge,” he said literature is an important means of building a new society. Books are our best friends, and such events provide a valuable opportunity to bring different sections of society closer to one another.
Speakers at the programme appreciated the efforts of the National Book Trust (NBT) and the organisers associated with the book fair. They said book fairs play an important role in introducing readers to books across diverse subjects, new authors and publications, while also helping cultivate the habit of reading. In particular, connecting children and young people with books remains one of the key objectives of such events.
The speakers also emphasised that literature plays an important role in providing direction to society, developing sensitivity and strengthening democratic values. They called upon people to read regularly and create a positive reading environment in their homes and communities.
Earlier, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Gulab Devi, Sandeep Singh, Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe and Yuvraj Malik formally inaugurated the book fair by cutting the ribbon. Books were presented to children on the occasion, and the dignitaries also visited various book exhibitions and stalls at the fair.
The fair features books on a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, culture, education, children’s literature, science and knowledge, attracting readers from different age groups. Visitors have a special opportunity to explore, understand and select books according to their interests.
Information was also shared about upcoming activities and literary programmes at the Gomti Sahityotsav. The festival will feature interactions with authors, literary discussions and a variety of programmes for readers.
In his vote of thanks, Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India, said, “Every society has its own marketplace, every household has its own toilet, and in the same way, every village should have its own library. We are moving forward with this vision. I invite all of you to come and read books. You are all welcome, and I express my sincere gratitude to everyone.”
The inaugural session conveyed a clear message that books are not merely a means of acquiring knowledge but are also a powerful tool for empowering individuals and building a better society. The Gomti Book Fair 2026 is an important and meaningful initiative towards promoting reading, literature and a vibrant literary culture in Lucknow.
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