Assam to Celebrate 2025 as ‘Year of Books’; CM Encourages Reading Culture

GUWAHATI: The Assam government has announced 2025 as the 'Year of Books'. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked the citizens, especially the youth, to embrace book reading. While talking on the transformative power of literature, Sarma said books inspire and change life for better.

The decision to mark 2025 as the ‘Year of Books’ was approved in a state cabinet meeting last week. Speaking on the occasion, Sarma encouraged people to visit book fairs or purchase books from local shops, particularly in regions without organized fairs."Books are a reflection of a community's civilization. Good books have the potential to transform lives positively," he stated, urging participation in the Assam Book Fair and the larger celebration.

Sarma also urged authors to write works that would inspire hope and relate to the younger generation. He suggested themes such as history, future aspirations, and cultural heritage as subjects that would rekindle interest in books. Sarma said his own writings attempt to give hope, which he feels the reader looks for.

The Assam Book Fair, a twelve-day event, commenced on Friday at Khanapara's Veterinary College Ground, Guwahati. Returning after 15 years to a new venue due to construction at the Assam Engineering College playground, the fair will continue until January 7. According to Assam Publication Board Secretary Pramod Kalita, 118 publishers and vendors, including participants from Delhi, Kolkata, and Punjab, are showcasing their works. However, publishers from Bangladesh are absent due to domestic issues. 

The state government has pledged to take significant steps to promote book reading throughout 2025.

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