Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi inaugurated the Gorakhpur Book Fest 2025 on Saturday at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University (DDU). The nine-day festival, organised jointly by the National Book Trust (NBT) and DDU University, will run from November 1 to November 9.
During the opening ceremony, the Chief Minister distributed books to children and interacted with school students. He said that books are the most honest guides and true companions in life. Recalling India’s ancient knowledge traditions, he spoke about the ‘Shravan’ and Guru-Shishya parampara, saying that the sages of India preserved knowledge for future generations by writing it down and spreading it across society.
CM Yogi praised the objective of the book Fest and said that such events help society grow. “When citizens read, the country leads,” he said, referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision that reading strengthens a nation. The Chief Minister noted that more than 200 stalls will provide a wide range of books for the people of Gorakhpur and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
He also remembered Gita Press for its century-long contribution to spreading Sanatan Dharma literature across India and the world. The Chief Minister paid tribute to renowned writers associated with Gorakhpur, including Firaq Gorakhpuri, Munshi Premchand, Prof. Vishwanath Tripathi, and the late poet Shriram Daras Mishra.
Promoting Reading Culture and Libraries
CM said that the double-engine government in UP is strengthening education infrastructure and expanding access to books. He informed that libraries are being set up across the state, including in 57,600 village panchayats, and that most primary schools have been upgraded with libraries and digital learning facilities.
According to him, more than 1.36 lakh primary schools in the state have been transformed under the mission to improve basic education. These schools now offer library corners, digital resources and smart learning spaces to encourage reading habits among children.
The Chief Minister encouraged people to participate in the book fair actively. He noted that the event will feature book launches, discussions, cultural events and intellectual sessions where students, writers and citizens can engage and learn.
He also warned the youth about excessive use of smartphones, saying that unnecessary screen time leads to stress and distraction. He recommended Prime Minister Modi’s book Exam Warriors to students, calling it a useful guide for managing studies and life challenges. “Good books help us in exams and also provide direction during difficult times,” he added.
At the event, he honoured Anganwadi workers for their service and rewarded winners of various competitions organised by NBT and DDU University. Students, including Shrija Sharan, Abhay Verma, Rashmika Dubey, and others, received certificates from the Chief Minister.
Focus on Innovation at Samsung Innovation Campus Convocation
Later in the day, CM Yogi also attended the Samsung Innovation Campus Convocation Ceremony 2025 in Gorakhpur. Speaking at the event, he said that real success lies in finding solutions through dialogue, creativity and innovation.
He congratulated the students who received certificates and praised Samsung India for supporting innovation and skill-building among youth. According to him, the Samsung Innovation Campus is an important platform that will help young people move towards self-reliance and employment.
The Chief Minister added that technology and innovation are key to India’s growth and said that Uttar Pradesh is encouraging digital learning, research, and skill-development programmes. He wished all graduating students a bright future and expressed confidence that they would contribute to India’s progress.
The day’s events highlighted CM Yogi Adityanath’s commitment to building a knowledge-oriented society where reading, innovation, and skill development play central roles. Both the Book Festival and the Innovation Campus ceremony reflected the focus on empowering youth through education, culture and technology.
