Literature meets legislature as first-of-its-kind book fair kicks off at Vidhana Soudha

Bengaluru: Literature and legislature came together for a novel venture on Thursday as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah inaugurated the first-ever book fair at the Vidhana Soudha.

Known for its architecture and grandeur, the Vidhana Soudha — the seat of the Karnataka legislature — has now got a literary facet, as book-lovers will get a treat of their favourite books of several languages across 151 stalls at the Karnataka State Legislature Book Fair 2025. 

Speaking on the occasion of the first-of-its-kind book fair, Siddarmaiah lauded the initiative and announced the fair would become an annual feature from now on. 

Quoting a Kannada proverb that emphasises wide travel and deep study to attain knowledge (Desha Suttu Kosha Odu), Siddaramaiah said: "Reading books furthers our knowledge. However, it’s not enough if we read and become educated. Literature should humanise us.”

The chief minister urged people to encourage reading among children. "Today's children are addicted to TV, mobile and social media. Instead, let them get addicted to books.”

Urging people not to borrow others' books but rather buy them themselves, Siddaramaiah said he would buy books to his liking from the fair in the next few days.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar congratulated Speaker U T Khader and Chairman of the Legislative Council Basavaraj Horatti for scripting a "new chapter".

"Technology has advanced a lot and ChatGPT immediately gives a lot of answers. However, there's a saying that if we forget our roots, we cannot get the fruits. Books are our roots and historical anecdotes can only be learnt through them," Shivakumar said. 

While appreciating the initiative, Kannada writer Bolwar Mohammed Kunhi advised the government to promote reading culture.

"For 3-4 years, after 2021, Kannada publishers have been struggling as the government is not purchasing books. The government should purchase their books. Speaker U T Khader should direct libraries to purchase books."

Veteran Kannada writer and Jnanpith Awardee Chandrashekhar Kambar, Goan writer Damodhar Mauzo and writers Prashanth Martha, Vasudendra and Bolwar Mohammed Kunhi were felicitated on the occasion.