Hyderabad: The 37th Hyderabad Book Fair was inaugurated by Chief Minister A Revant Reddy at Telangana Kalabharti (NTR Stadium) on Thursday. Addressing the audience, Reddy noted that the digital generation is heavily dependent on online sources, while history and authentic accounts are buried in the pages of books. He highlighted how literature fueled the Telangana state movement and called for a new appreciation for the writers who shaped the story of the region. The inauguration ceremony was attended by ministers, eminent literary figures and cultural personalities.
Spanning an eclectic range, the fair presents new and second-hand editions for the city’s reading community. From recently published Haruki Murakami novels and works by historian Ramachandra Guha to Tender is the Night, sketches by Satyajit Ray, and a 2003 version themed around Audrey Hepburn, visitors are treated to a trove of treasures. of literary pursuits.
Women’s literary contributions were concentrated in the Aksharayana stall, where the works of more than 1,500 women Telugu writers were exhibited. Founded in 2019 by Enampudi Srilakshmi with just 40 members, Aksharayana now provides a platform for women’s voices, exploring topics ranging from child abuse and the cultural significance of Bathukamma to Telugu theatre. “I started writing after retirement and have written four novels,” says former teacher Lalita Verma, emphasizing how women carry forward the traditions of language and storytelling.
Religious and philosophical diversity was evident, with stalls from Minhaj Publications, Dayananda Publications and the Ramakrishna Math offering theological and analytical texts, including the works of Swami Vivekananda. Navtelangana Prakashan presented a wide range of thought, uniting disparate ideologies under one roof – from Romila Thapar’s history texts and Mahasweta Devi’s writings to Marxist and capitalist critiques.
A rare highlight is human rights activist K. There was a dedicated stall celebrating the works of Balagopal, whose writings in Telugu and English inspired those seeking justice and equality.
“I came here looking for Why Nations Fail and The Art of War,” said Siddharth, an engineering student who came with his friend Sharanya. Intrigued by evolving philosophy and socioeconomic ideas, he appreciated the role of fairs in expanding ideas. “I am trying to study again,” added Sharanya. “Events like this inspire you to browse, pick up new books and rediscover the joy of reading.”