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World Book Day
Books are an integral part of human civilization. They are not just a repository of knowledge, but also a carrier of thoughts, emotions, history, and imaginations of the future. A good book takes the reader out of their geographical, linguistic, and mental boundaries and takes them to a new dimension.
The importance of books has not diminished even in today's digital age. Even though the mediums have changed - in the form of e-books, audio books, etc. - the place of the book is still as relevant today. To recognize this important role, every year, 23 April is celebrated as 'World Book and Copyright Day'.
World Book Day: How did it start?
This day was formally started by UNESCO in 1995. There are many important reasons hidden in literary history behind choosing this date, which give it the form of an international literary tribute.
Why 23 April?
The literary and historical significance of April 23 is extremely intense, as this day is associated with many great literary figures:
William Shakespeare (England)
- Born: 23 April 1564
- Died: 23 April 1616
He is considered to be the most influential playwright in world literature. Plays like "Hamlet", "Othello", "Macbeth", and "Sonnets" are his invaluable literary contributions.
Miguel de Cervantes (Spain)
- Born: 29 September 1547
- Died: 22 April 1616
- Funeral: 23 April 1616
Cervantes is called the father of Spanish literature. His book Don Quixote is considered to be the foundation of modern novel literature.
Inca Garcilaso de la Vega (Peru)
- Born: 12 April 1539
- Died: 23 April 1616
He was the first Latin-American writer to incorporate Spanish and Inca civilization in his writings.
Note: Shakespeare and Cervantes are said to have the same death date, but this is confusing due to calendar differences (Julian vs Gregorian). However, symbolically, both are considered to have died on 23 April.
UNESCO and the Declaration of World Book Day
At a conference held in Paris in 1995, UNESCO unanimously passed a resolution to celebrate 23 April as "World Book and Copyright Day". Its objectives were:
- To promote the habit of reading globally
- To honour authors, publishers, and booksellers
- To spread awareness about copyright
- To promote linguistic and cultural diversity
Importance of books: Why is reading important?
Books not only give information to a person, but also shape their thinking. They give rise to critical thinking, imagination, empathy, and ideological clarity.
Some of the major benefits of books:
- Bundle of knowledge: In-depth information on every subject
- Development of creativity: Gives flight to imagination
- Improvement in language and expression
- Means of stress relief
- Character building and moral development
Book culture in India
The tradition of writing and reading in India is very ancient. Texts like the Vedas, Upanishads, Ramayana, Mahabharata, Natya Shastra, Yoga Sutra etc. are the invaluable treasure of our ancient literature. There is a vast literature from Sanskrit to Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, and other languages.
Major book events in India:
- New Delhi World Book Fair (Pragati Maidan)
- Kolkata International Book Fair
- Jaipur Literature Festival
- Hyderabad and Bhopal Book Fairs
Thousands of writers, publishers, literature lovers, and readers participate in these events.
Role of books in the digital age
In today's time, technology has given new forms to books. E-books, audiobooks, and online libraries are giving a new direction to book culture.
Major digital platforms:
Copyright: Protection of Creativity
One of the main objectives of Book Day is to explain the importance of copyright. Copyright gives creators rights over their intellectual property.
Copyright Act in India:
- Indian Copyright Act, 1957
- Provides protection to the author's work for 60 years
- Applies to music, art, literature, drama etc.
It is the responsibility of every reader and publisher to avoid plagiarism and give authors their rights.
Inspiration for youth
Today's youth are entangled in the world of social media, games, and short videos. In such a situation, it is very important to make them develop the habit of reading.
Some steps that can make youth book lovers:
- Strengthen libraries in schools
- Give books to children at home
- Encourage interesting reading through digital mediums
- Have "Meet the Author" sessions to introduce authors
Challenges and Solutions
Major challenges:
- Lack of libraries in rural areas
- Digital distraction
- Books being expensive
- Neglect of linguistic diversity
Solutions:
- Start of mobile library
- Book bank and book donation scheme
- Digitization of public libraries
- Promotion of literature in Indian languages
Final Thoughts
World Book Day is not just a date but a day to honour the knowledge, literature, and creativity of human civilisation. It reminds us that books are our greatest friends — they neither require any conditions nor time. They simply enrich our lives.