Pune Bal Pustak Jatra 2025: Maharashtra Ministers Push for Children’s Literature, Statewide Book Fairs, and Preserving Historical Pride

Pune, 22nd May 2025: Maharashtra’s Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has called for the creation of children’s literature that explains India’s “thrilling history” in a way young minds can understand, emphasizing the need for such books to inspire pride in the nation’s heritage. He made these remarks during the inauguration of the ‘Pune Bal Pustak Jatra 2025,’ organized jointly by the National Book Trust, Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), and Pune Book Festival Dialogue at the Ganesh Kala Krida Manch.

Minister Patil stated, “Our history is so rich and awe-inspiring, yet if it is not presented properly, it can create an inferiority complex. Children have a great capacity to absorb information, so they are the best medium to reach with our history. The world’s first dictionary was created in India, the first surgery was performed here, and the first university was established here. Children must know these facts, which is why we need to produce small books for them.” He also praised the efforts of organizers, including Rajesh Pande, for promoting reading habits through games and activities.

Marathi Language Minister Uday Samant echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of taking such book fairs beyond Pune. “Book fairs are highly innovative initiatives. It is our responsibility to support the literature that is created. However, we must step outside Pune and organize such festivals at the district level across Maharashtra. I hope that Pune Book Festival will take the lead in planning and coordinating these fairs,” Samant said. He highlighted Pune’s legacy as a hub of Marathi language, culture, and education, noting that events here resonate throughout the state.

Maharashtra Minister of State Madhuri Misal added, “Pune is a city of reading and food culture. At this fair, children are getting a chance to play and enjoy games, which increases their concentration and physical abilities. My parents instilled a love for books in me. Even though today we can read books on laptops and computers, holding a book and reading it is a unique joy.” She also commended Rajesh Pande and the organizers for their efforts.

Milind Marathe, Chairman of the National Book Trust, announced that following the success of the Pune Book Festival, similar events will be held in Nagpur and Mumbai. He also revealed plans to create a network of libraries and launch community libraries nationwide to promote a reading culture. “We will be starting the networking of libraries and the initiation of community libraries across the country to encourage reading,” Marathe said.

Rajesh Pande, Director and Chief Coordinator of Pune Book Festival, noted in his introductory remarks, “It is often said that reading habits have declined. However, the Pune Book Festival has received an overwhelming response. This has energized Pune’s and Maharashtra’s literary and publishing worlds. Seeing the children’s response at the National Book Trust’s World Book Fair in Delhi inspired us to organize a similar event in Pune. This might even be India’s first such children’s book fair.”

The event was attended by a large number of parents and children, who enjoyed browsing books and participating in games. Minister Patil inaugurated the exhibition, visited various stalls, and interacted with stall holders. He even joined in the fun, playing traditional games like ‘vitti-dandu.’ State Minister Misal also enjoyed playing ‘lagori’ with the children.

Throughout the event, the joy of holding books and the excitement of games were evident on the children’s faces, reflecting the success of the initiative in blending literature, culture, and play.