A Walkathon by Book Lovers, Underscoring the Timeless Relevance of Books
Sisodia said books held an immortal place as bridges of knowledge
VIJAYAWADA: The fifth day of the 36th Vijayawada Book Festival was marked by an inspiring padayatra (walkathon) by book lovers, underscoring the timeless relevance of books in an age of rapid technological changes.
The march commenced from Siddhartha Arts College and was flagged off by special chief secretary to the government RP Sisodia, while former MP Undavalli Arunkumar led the procession.
Judges, editors, legislators, writers, artists, students and prominent citizens participated in the walkathon in large numbers. Students displayed placards, urging society, “Say No to Drugs, Say Yes to Books.”
The padayatra concluded with a public meeting at the IGMC Stadium.
Addressing the gathering, Sisodia said books held an immortal place as bridges of knowledge. “While artificial intelligence can now create content once produced only by the human mind, the core responsibility of book lovers is to preserve the fundamental purpose of books spreading knowledge and enlightenment and pass it on to future generations.”
He said books have been the backbone of historical, spiritual and social revolutions.
Undavalli Arunkmar said book festivals helped awaken the reading habit among the people. He congratulated the organisers and citizens for the successful conduct of the festival. He expressed the hope that such literary events would be expanded to other major cities across the state.
Speakers, including editors, writers and cultural figures, stressed the need to introduce the younger, screen-oriented generation to the joy of reading printed books and to sustain the enthusiasm generated by book fairs.
