Bhubaneswar : Books are considered a man’s best friends as they help to widen mental horizons. Many people enjoy the company of books. People take to books to enjoy themselves, get proper advice and understand important things about life. World Book Day is celebrated by UNESCO and other organisations every year April 23. It is an occasion to promote books and the art of reading. The day was selected by UNESCO to pay tribute to great literary figures like William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega who died on that day. This date was finalised in 1995 at the UNESCO General Conference to honour authors and books worldwide. On this year’s World Book Day we asked city residents which book they are reading now, and what draws them to books.
Bijaya Biswal, a bibliographer of the city and a member of the Bhubaneswar Poetry club said, “I am reading the ‘Republic of Caste’ by Anand Teltumbde.” She said that Teltumbde was unfairly arrested last year along with other activists for alleged links to the Bhima Koregaon violence. “I thought it was important to read his works and understand why it was so dangerous that the government arrested him. The guts he showed in criticising the casterelated stands of both the Left and the Right, and his literary contributions on Dalit women politics and Ambedkar made me read more of his books,” she added.
Roshan Bisoi, a city-based comedian, said that he was reading ‘Byculla to Bangkok’ by Hussain Zaidi as he wanted to know about the gangsters of India and Zaidi writes well about it. He said Zaidi is a legendary writer on crime and had met dons like Dawood Ibrahim and Chota Shakeel. I am also planning to read his latest book on Dawood’s mentor Khalid Khan Bachcha, he added.
Sriram Singh Rattan, another book lover, said he is reading ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. The book which has been translated into 37 languages and has sold over 30 million copies, showcases Gabriel’s unique narrative which paved the way for the Latin American literary boom. It’s a tale of national identity told by the author through seven generations of the Buendia clan, and that makes it interesting, he said.
Book lover and actress Sindura Rout said, “I am reading ‘Eleven Minutes’ by Paulo Coelho. It’s an interesting story. The novel gives an entirely different perspective on a woman’s life. Maria, a character in the novel, goes through many experiences. The author beautifully explains self-realisation in a girl through sexual experiences. The book’s title is very appealing. It’s readable as its language is simple and the story is interesting. Paulo Coelho is a great writer. All girls must read this book.”
Aarushi Padhi, a student, said she is reading ‘To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before’ by Jenny Han. She said that she liked the book which can be understood by anyone. It is also different from other romantic books as it describes a girl who falls in love with different boys during different occasions. It presents a teenage girl’s life and says that it is alright to fall in love again and again.”
nother student Debolina Patra said that she is reading the novel ‘French Lover’ by Taslima Nasreen which talks about a woman’s search for love and independence in a strange city far away from home. ‘French Lover’ is the story of Nilanjana, a young Bengali woman from Kolkata, who moves to Paris after her marriage to Kishanlal, a restaurant owner.
Arindam Ganguly, OP