CM Yogi Adityanath Inaugurates Gorakhpur Book Festival, Pays Tribute to Eminent Writer Ramdarash Mishra

Gorakhpur — Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the Gorakhpur Book Festival, organized by the National Book Trust, India, at Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gorakhpur University. The nine-day festival, being held from November 1 to 9, 2025, will serve as a creative hub for literature lovers and a platform for readers across eastern Uttar Pradesh to purchase books of their choice at affordable prices.

Paying tribute to the late eminent litterateur Ramdarash Mishra, the Chief Minister described good books as “a person’s truest guide and lifelong companion.” He emphasized that India’s ancient Guru-Shishya (teacher-disciple) tradition preserved its wisdom through written texts for future generations.

CM Yogi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi constantly motivates people to read and believes that “a nation progresses only when its people read.” Citing Gorakhpur’s literary heritage, he recalled great writers such as Firaq Gorakhpuri, Premchand, Vishwanath Tripathi, and Ramdarash Mishra, calling Gorakhpur the “land of rich literary legacy.”

Highlighting Gita Press’s century-long contribution, the CM said it has been publishing and distributing spiritual and cultural books at affordable prices since 1926, including the renowned Kalyan magazine.

The Chief Minister noted that over 200 book stalls have been set up at the festival, offering a variety of creative works. He urged students, faculty members, and the public to visit and participate in discussions, book launches, and cultural programs on folk art and traditions.

He announced that the double-engine government is establishing a new chain of libraries across the state to encourage reading among the youth. “Over 57,600 Gram Panchayats are setting up Gram Secretariats, each with a dedicated library room,” he said.

Under Operation Kayakalp, 1.36 lakh out of 1.56 lakh basic education schools in Uttar Pradesh have been revamped, each equipped with a physical and digital library to rekindle the reading culture among children.

The CM encouraged students to spend less time on smartphones and more on books related to creativity, history, environment, and modern technology. Referring to Prime Minister Modi’s book “Exam Warriors,” he said it should be read by every student preparing for competitive exams as it provides motivation and guidance in simple language.

Expressing concern over environmental degradation, the Chief Minister urged citizens to take collective responsibility for maintaining a clean and healthy environment, echoing the ancient Indian sentiment — “Mata Bhoomi Putroham Prithivyah” (The Earth is my mother, and I am her son).

“Reading good books will illuminate one’s path far better than over-dependence on smartphones,” he remarked.

The event was also addressed by MP Ravi Kishan Shukla, National Book Trust Chairman Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, and DDU Gorakhpur University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Poonam Tandon. Several public representatives, senior officials, and dignitaries attended the inaugural ceremony.