Dipak Kurmi
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
In an era where the digital realm dominates our attention and reading habits face a steady decline, the Assam government’s declaration of 2025 as the “Year of Books” offers a ray of hope for the revival of intellectual curiosity and cultural heritage. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s call to the citizens, especially the youth, to embrace the transformative power of books resonates deeply in a time when literature often takes a backseat to modern distractions. With a renewed emphasis on fostering a culture of reading, Assam is poised to embark on a year-long celebration that could redefine the state’s literary landscape, rejuvenate its rich cultural fabric, and ensure a brighter, knowledge-driven future.
Books have long been more than mere vehicles for information; they are reflections of a community’s history, identity, and imagination. Assam, with its long tradition of literary excellence, has been home to some of India’s most influential writers, from Lakshminath Bezbaroa to Mamoni Raisom Goswami. The works of these literary giants have not only shaped Assamese identity but have also contributed to the broader cultural landscape of India. The government’s decision to dedicate 2025 to the celebration of books aims to honour this literary heritage while nurturing a new generation of readers and writers.
The initiative to mark 2025 as the ‘Year of Books’ is not just symbolic but is backed by concrete measures designed to revitalize the reading culture in Assam. A notable component of this initiative is the creation of 2,597 new libraries across the state, a project that comes with a significant Rs 259.7 crore investment. We will strategically place these libraries in 2,197 village panchayats and 400 municipal wards to ensure that every citizen, regardless of their geographical location, can access the treasures contained within books. Equipped with modern infrastructure, these libraries will not only house physical books but will also be connected to the National Digital Library, providing a seamless learning experience that combines tradition with technology.
The focus on libraries reflects the understanding that books, as physical entities, are just as important as digital access in fostering a reading culture. Many of Assam’s libraries, once vibrant centres of knowledge and community engagement, have fallen into neglect. The government’s move to rejuvenate these spaces signals a commitment to turning them into hubs of intellectual growth and cultural exchange. These new libraries will serve as safe spaces for young readers and learners, where curiosity can be nurtured and creativity can be unleashed. Moreover, mobile libraries designed to reach remote corners of the state will ensure that even the most isolated communities have access to the resources needed for intellectual development.
The Assam Book Fair, an event that has returned after a 15-year hiatus, is a cornerstone of the “Year of Books” celebrations. Held at the Khanapara Veterinary College Ground in Guwahati, the fair has already garnered attention with the participation of 118 publishers from across India. While the absence of international participants, such as publishers from Bangladesh, is a setback, the fair’s significance remains undiminished. The fair provides an invaluable platform for new and established authors to showcase their work and for readers to engage directly with literature in a dynamic and interactive setting. Events like these serve as incubators for the future of Assamese literature, providing opportunities for writers to find their voice and for readers to discover new perspectives.
One of the central goals of the “Year of Books” is to ignite a renewed passion for literature among the youth. In a world where distractions are endless and attention spans are fleeting, instilling a love for reading in children and adolescents is a challenge that requires creative and innovative solutions. The government has called on authors to write works that will resonate with the younger generation, emphasizing themes such as history, cultural heritage, and future aspirations. Through literature, young readers can be inspired to not only understand the world around them but also to envision and create the world they want to live in. As Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma aptly put it, books are a reflection of a community’s civilization, and they have the power to transform lives positively. By nurturing the next generation of thinkers, writers, and leaders, Assam is laying the foundation for a more informed and enlightened society.
Educational institutions, particularly schools and colleges, are at the heart of this literary revolution. Book clubs, storytelling sessions, essay competitions, and literary festivals will become common occurrences within these institutions, providing students with opportunities to engage directly with books and authors. By introducing Assamese literature into school curricula, the initiative not only enhances students’ academic learning but also strengthens their connection with their cultural roots. The celebration of regional authors within academic settings will foster a sense of pride in Assamese literature and encourage students to explore the literary traditions of their own state.
In addition to nurturing the next generation of readers, the “Year of Books” holds great promise for revitalizing Assam’s publishing industry. Local publishers, who often struggle to gain visibility in a market dominated by English-language publications, will benefit from the increased demand for Assamese literature. The initiative will provide them with opportunities to expand their reach while also encouraging the translation of Assamese works into other languages and vice versa. This cross-cultural exchange will not only enrich the literary landscape of Assam but will also enhance its visibility on the global stage.
Moreover, the celebration of indigenous languages and oral traditions forms an essential component of this initiative. Assam is home to a rich tapestry of languages and dialects, many of which are at risk of fading away. The recording and preservation of oral traditions in written form will not only safeguard these languages but will also ensure that the cultural richness of Assam’s diverse communities is passed down to future generations. This inclusive approach will give a platform to writers from tribal and marginalised communities, ensuring that the literary revolution of 2025 represents the true diversity of the state.
As the world continues to evolve at lightning speed, the embrace of digital formats such as e-books, audiobooks, and online libraries has become increasingly important. While print books remain vital, digital platforms offer the advantage of reaching a wider audience, particularly among the younger generation who are more accustomed to online consumption. By integrating these modern formats into the “Year of Books” initiative, Assam is ensuring that its literary heritage remains relevant in the digital age. Online platforms will allow Assamese literature to gain a global audience, further enriching cultural exchange and promoting the state’s rich literary tradition.
However, this ambitious initiative does face challenges. The disparity in literacy rates between urban and rural areas remains a significant barrier to universal access to books and learning resources. Addressing this gap will require innovative approaches, including collaboration with non-governmental organizations, private enterprises, and community-based groups. Additionally, the financial constraints faced by many families make it difficult for them to afford books. In this regard, the implementation of book-distribution schemes, particularly for economically disadvantaged children, will ensure that the benefits of the “Year of Books” reach the widest possible audience.
The economic and cultural implications of this initiative are far-reaching. Beyond the immediate benefits to literacy, the “Year of Books” has the potential to position Assam as a hub for literary tourism. The hosting of book fairs, literary festivals, and cultural events will attract visitors from across the country and abroad, creating new opportunities for local authors, publishers, and artisans. The initiative will also contribute to the development of a creative economy, with a thriving literary ecosystem providing employment and business opportunities in the state.
Ultimately, the “Year of Books” is more than just a commemorative event; it is a transformative movement that seeks to reassert the power of literature in shaping society. By investing in books, libraries, and the promotion of reading, Assam is laying the groundwork for a future where knowledge, imagination, and cultural heritage form the pillars of a thriving society. This literary revolution, fuelled by the passion and commitment of the people of Assam, has the potential to spark a renaissance of intellectual growth and cultural pride that will resonate far beyond the state’s borders.
As 2025 unfolds, Assam stands poised at the beginning of a journey—a journey that celebrates the written word, fosters a culture of learning, and positions literature at the heart of the state’s future. Through this initiative, the government has not only acknowledged the transformative power of books but has taken decisive steps to ensure that the next generation of readers and writers can harness that power to shape a better tomorrow.