Reading Culture Thrives in Digital Age, Says CM Fadnavis at Pune Book Festival

Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 15th December 2025: Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday said the Pune Book Festival has played a significant role in strengthening the state’s reading culture while nurturing art, culture and historical traditions. He described the festival as an iconic event that has given a new direction and platform to book lovers across the country.

Fadnavis was speaking at the Pune Book Festival organised by the National Book Trust (NBT), where he released the book Guinnessgatha, written by the festival’s chief organiser Rajesh Pande. The event was attended by Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, Minister of State for Medical Education Madhuri Misal, Savitribai Phule Pune University Vice-Chancellor Dr Suresh Gosavi, NBT Chairman Milind Marathe, Director Yuvraj Malik, Kohinoor Group Chairman Krishnakumar Goyal, Suhana Group Director Vishal Chordia, Lokmanya Multipurpose Cooperative Society founder Kiran Thakur, Deccan Education Society governing council president Pramod Rawat, executive member Prof Anand Katikar, along with several other dignitaries.

Praising the response to the festival, the Chief Minister said the large crowds reflected the presence of serious readers rather than casual visitors. “In the age of mobile phones and technology, there were doubts about whether people would still read books. However, the response to the Pune Book Festival proves that knowledge and information found in books continue to inspire people,” Fadnavis said. He added that the increasing sale of books at the festival was a positive sign for the future of reading culture.

Fadnavis noted that books and literature expand knowledge, deepen understanding and contribute to personality development. He said the success of the Pune Book Festival had led to the organisation of similar events in Nagpur, with a Goa Book Festival scheduled in February.

“Maharashtra has always been a fertile ground for literature, revolutionary ideas and social thought. The Pune Book Festival carries forward the state’s artistic, cultural and historical legacy,” he said.

During the event, a Guinness World Record was recognised for the initiative ‘Shaantata… Punekar Vachat Aahet’, created using photographs of citizens participating in a mass reading campaign. The Guinness World Record certificate, achieved with the support of the Kohinoor Group, was presented in the presence of the Chief Minister.

Speaking on the occasion, NBT Director Yuvraj Malik said the success of the Pune Book Festival had demonstrated that reading is not merely a hobby for Punekars but a way of life. “The festival has become a case study in itself. So far, 13 Guinness World Records have been created through the Pune Book Festival, which is truly remarkable,” he said, adding that reading plays a crucial role in shaping young minds and building a knowledgeable society.

Rajesh Pande said more than two lakh people had visited the festival, with public participation increasing each day. He expressed happiness that his book was released by the Chief Minister, calling it a personal milestone. “Guinnessgatha documents my 44-year journey and the collective efforts behind these records. Through books, we want to contribute to building a better society and realise the vision of a developed India,” he said.

Fadnavis also congratulated Pande, the citizens of Pune and the National Book Trust for elevating the Pune Book Festival to a national level. He stressed the importance of documentation, saying future generations would draw inspiration from these recorded achievements. “A time will come when at least 50 per cent of Guinness World Records will belong to Indians,” he said.

About the book, Guinnessgatha chronicles the journey of 12 Guinness World Records achieved through public participation under Pande’s leadership since 2019. The initiatives involved college students, National Service Scheme volunteers, youth organisations and ordinary citizens, fostering a sense of patriotism, unity and positive social engagement. The book details the planning, execution and challenges behind each record, highlighting youth participation as the true success of the movement rather than the records alone.