Pune, Dec 24: The Pune Book Festival, India's largest book fair, organized by National Book trust of India and digitally oartnsred by NewsBharati, concluded today after a remarkable nine-day run from December 16 to December 24. This marked a significant milestone as it was the first time such a massive book fair was organized on a grand scale in the city. The response from the public surpassed expectations, with record-breaking sales reflecting the enthusiasm for literature in Pune.
FOUR GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS
The event co-ordinated by Rajesh Pande witnessed scripting of four Guinness World recordss in the city.
1. Last week, a new Guinness World Record the for Pune Book Festival at Fergusson College as the event witnessed the creation of the inspiring phrase "Jayatu Bharat," skillfully crafted with the collaborative effort of an astounding 18,000 books.
2. Last Friday, there was an arrangement of a staggering 7,500 books to form the iconic word "Bharat", surpassing Saudi Arabia's previous record.
3. On last Thursday, Pune hosted the largest reading activity in collaboration, beating out China. A total of 3,066 parents gathered to read aloud to their children, creating a magical atmosphere and etching their names in history. The previous record, held by China, stood at 2,884 simultaneous readers.
4. Punekars beat China to script the fourth Guinness World record for the largest online video album of people reading aloud with 11,043 videos on Thursday at India's Largest book fair in Fergusson College, Pune.
NOT JUST A ORDINARY BOOK FAIR
The festival was not just a congregation of book stalls but also a platform for meaningful interactions and discussions among like-minded individuals. The book stalls featured a diverse array of languages, including Hindi, Marathi, English, Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, Sanskrit, and even a stall dedicated to sign language. This inclusive approach aimed to cater to the linguistic diversity and inclusivity of the community.
For children, there was a dedicated Children's Corner organized every day, offering a range of engaging activities. A talent hunt added an exciting dimension to the festival, providing a stage for various performances and showcasing the multifaceted talents within the community.The festival also witnessed several noteworthy events, including book launches and interactive sessions tailored for avid readers.
Apart from this, cultural performances like Shrimant Yogi, musical band coming from various parts of country, dance performances including by Actress Sonalee Kulkarni and Sharvari Jamneis graced the event taking the event to next level.
FROM CELEBRITIES TO POLITICIANS
Renowned personalities such as Dr. Kumar Vishwas, Vikram Sampath, Saurabh Dwivedi, and political figures like Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Sudhir Mungantinwar, Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Dada Patil, and NCP leader Supriya Sule graced the occasion, adding to the prestige of the event.
#mybookmystory, A UNIQUE INITIATIVE
A unique initiative, #mybookmystory, added a vibrant layer to the festival. Bookworms had the opportunity to participate and win substantial prizes totaling ₹5,000, encouraging a sense of community and excitement among literature enthusiasts.
Organized by the National Book Trust of India and digitally partnered by NewsBharati, the Pune Book Festival left a lasting positive impact. It served as a cultural hub, bringing together people from various walks of life to celebrate the written word. The success of this event not only highlights the appetite for literature in Pune but also underscores the importance of fostering such cultural initiatives for the enrichment of society.