Books are powerful mediums to transform lives and drive positive societal change: Lok Sabha Speaker
Distilled Policy Brief
- Lok Sabha Speaker inaugurated the 29th Kochi International Book Festival in Kerala, emphasizing the irreplaceable role of books in shaping societal values and fostering deep comprehension over digital information.
- The address highlighted Kerala's pioneering library movement, championed by P.N. Panicker, and its celebration of 'Vayana Dinam' (Reading Day) on June 19th to promote literacy and socio-economic development.
- The event recognized India's linguistic diversity and democratic ethos, noting that literature and regional languages bridge cultural divides and reinforce national unity.
🎯 Prelims High-Yield Examination Points
The 29th Kochi International Book Festival was held in Kerala, commemorating the state's library movement pioneered by P.N. Panicker and the observance of 'Vayana Dinam' (Reading Day) on June 19.
⚖️ Mains Analytical & Syllabus Linkages
Examine the role of reading habits, library movements, and linguistic diversity in fostering societal transformation, democratic values, and national integration in India.
🎯 UPSC Prelims Practice Drill
Consider the following statements regarding the role of books, literature, and democracy in India, as highlighted in recent policy addresses: 1. Digital technology provides easy access to information, whereas deep comprehension, wisdom, and sensitivity are primarily fostered through books and human experiences. 2. India's linguistic diversity and regional languages serve to bridge cultural divides and reinforce national unity rather than acting as divisive forces. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- [A] 1 only
- [B] 2 only
- [C] Both 1 and 2
- [D] Neither 1 nor 2
▶ Reveal Official Answer & Analytical Explanation
Statement 1 is correct because while digital technology enhances access to information, developing deep comprehension and genuine wisdom relies fundamentally on books and personal experiences. Statement 2 is also correct as regional languages and literature bridge cultural divides, connect people, and strengthen national unity within India's democratic ethos.
🏛️ Historical Twin PYQ Anchor (2021)
Consider the following statements regarding the "National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)": 1. It is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 2. Central Pollution Control Board acts as the sole regulatory executive body.