Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the 5th Gomti Book Festival, highlighting the massive rollout of digital libraries across 57,600 gram panchayats in Uttar Pradesh.

  • Digital libraries have been established in 57,600 gram panchayats across Uttar Pradesh.
  • CM Yogi urged youth to build personal 'book banks' and read beyond the curriculum.
  • The 'Operation Kayakalp' initiative has significantly upgraded government school infrastructure.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath officially inaugurated the 5th Gomti Book Festival-2026 at Lucknow University on Saturday. During the event, the Chief Minister emphasized the state's commitment to bridging the urban-rural divide through technology and education. He revealed that digital libraries have been successfully established in 57,600 gram panchayats throughout the state, ensuring that the resources of the National Book Trust are accessible to rural citizens.

Addressing the gathering of students, CM Yogi refuted the notion that modern youth have abandoned reading in favor of social media. He argued that the responsibility lies in making books accessible to them. He specifically highlighted Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s book, 'Exam Warriors', suggesting that every student should imbibe its lessons to navigate academic and life challenges. He further encouraged students to develop their own 'book banks' to foster a culture of continuous learning.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that by decentralizing access to knowledge through gram secretariats, the Uttar Pradesh government is effectively tackling the information asymmetry that has historically hindered rural development. This digital push is crucial for creating a workforce capable of competing in a globalized economy.

Confining knowledge to a narrow sphere brings adverse consequences to society and the nation.

The Chief Minister also reflected on the transformation of Uttar Pradesh. He noted that a decade ago, the state was categorized under the 'BIMARU' group, facing significant identity and developmental crises. Today, through initiatives like 'Operation Kayakalp', the state has transformed dilapidated school buildings into modern facilities equipped with smart classes, as evidenced by the digital literacy shown by students in regions like Chitrakoot.

Delving into India's rich heritage, Adityanath stated that the nation's knowledge tradition was built on scriptures, manuscripts, and copper plates. He identified Uttar Pradesh as a cornerstone of this tradition, citing sacred sites such as Naimisharanya, Kashi, and Shukrteerth. He stressed that true knowledge extends far beyond the prescribed school curriculum.

Did You Know?: The Uttar Pradesh government is currently the largest purchaser of books from the National Book Trust, reinforcing its support for literary institutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can rural students access these digital libraries?
Digital libraries are integrated into the gram secretariats within the 57,600 gram panchayats across the state.

2. What is the significance of the Gomti Book Festival?
It serves as a platform to promote reading habits, showcase literary works, and provide students with access to diverse knowledge sources.