KOLKATA: The National Library of India (NLI) celebrated World Book Day on Wednesday with a vibrant mix of events aimed at promoting the joy of reading and the importance of books in shaping society and culture. The celebrations included a special exhibition, a film screening, a quiz contest, and an open invitation to students to explore the library’s vast treasure trove of knowledge.
A key highlight of the day was a special exhibition of 100 iconic books—each representing a different year from the past century. The carefully curated display featured works from a variety of genres and periods, each marking a moment in history and literature that defined the year it belonged to.
Every year on April 23, World Book Day is observed globally to encourage reading, publishing, and the love of books. Speaking on the occasion, NLI Director General Ajay Pratap Singh said, “World Book Day is important because it promotes the love of reading, encourages literacy, and recognizes the significance of books in shaping our world. It also celebrates the role books play in connecting the past and future, and across cultures. The day also serves as a platform for advocating for copyright protection and intellectual property rights.”
As part of the celebration, NLI in collaboration with Fest5 India, a film society, organized a screening of the film “Kitabi Masti: The Whispers of Change”. The inspiring film tells the real-life story of a young girl from the slums of Bhopal who brings about change in her community through the transformative power of books and reading.
190 students from various schools were invited to the library for the event, many of whom experienced a reading room for the very first time. “The celebration aimed to inculcate reading habits and a love for books early in the lives of young students. For many of them, just visiting the reading room was an overwhelming and eye-opening experience,” said Siva Prasad Senapati, Principal Information and Library Officer at NLI.
Following the film screening, students enthusiastically took part in an impromptu quiz contest, where the top five participants were awarded for their knowledge and quick thinking.
Adding a unique touch to the day, NLI also invited readers from across the country to share one-minute videos answering: “My Favourite Book & Why I Want Others to Read It.” The response was heartening. “We are humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love we received,” NLI said in a statement. “Your passion has truly lit up our shelves.”
The event successfully celebrated books not just as sources of knowledge and imagination, but also as powerful tools for connection, inspiration, and change.
