The Pune Book Festival commenced with unparalleled enthusiasm, breaking ground by achieving three world records and drawing the attention of literature enthusiasts. Guinness World Records representative Swapnil Dangorikar acknowledged the festival’s remarkable accomplishments, presenting the organizers with a prestigious certificate.
Deputy Speaker Dr. Neelam Gorhe and Minister Chandrakant Patil inaugurated the event, which has received an overwhelming response from Pune residents, with more than 10,000 book enthusiasts attending on the first day.
The collaborative effort of the Ministry of Education, the National Book Trust, the Government of Maharashtra, Savitribai Phule Pune University, and the Pune Municipal Corporation has resulted in a literary extravaganza that showcases over 20 lakh books in more than 20 languages across 250 halls.
Under the engaging program titled “Kavi Ki Kalam Se: An Afternoon with Kumar Vishwas,” renowned Hindi poet and socio-political figure Kumar Vishwas is scheduled to participate from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM on December 18, adding a highlight to the festival.
Minister Patil emphasized the festival’s role in fostering a reading culture and announced the free distribution of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s book ‘Exam Warriors’ to students and parents attending the event. National Book Trust President Milind Marathe and Director Colonel Yuvraj Malik, along with other dignitaries, graced the occasion, praising the festival’s contribution to Pune’s cultural heritage.
As the festival unfolds until December 24, organizers aim to set four world records, positioning Pune as the potential book capital of the world. A Guinness World Record for the longest word made of books, titled ‘Jaitu Bharat,’ consisting of 18,751 books, was established, surpassing the previous record of 11,111 books.
Expressing gratitude for the state government’s support, Pandey, the chief organizer, emphasized the festival’s success and highlighted the release of the book ‘Establishment of Hindavi Swarajya – Shivaray Chhatrapati Zale’ as part of the literary celebration.
In a precursor event, the festival achieved another Guinness World Record for the largest reading activity, involving 3,066 parents. These remarkable achievements solidify the Pune Book Festival’s place as a literary powerhouse and a testament to the city’s commitment to literature and culture.
