Books are the doorway to a different world that enables the readers to find a substantial meaning of life. World Book and Copyright Day has been started by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to cultivate the habit of reading, encourage the concepts of publishing and copyright. The day was first celebrated on April 23, 1995 and still considered as an internationally recognized day. The day marks the symbolic meaning of the literature world because on this day in 1616 legendary writers like Cervantes, Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega died. The day is also known to be the date of either birth or death of eminent authors such as Maurice Druon, Haldor K.Laxness, Vladimir Nabokov, Josep Pla and Manuel Mejía Vallejo. The decision was taken by the UNESCO in its General Conference held in 1995 in Paris that the remarkable authors should be paid homage throughout the world and everyone especially the younger generation should learn to explore the joy of reading. This will also help the readers realize the contributions of the notable writers in the field of literature.
Discovering the pleasure of reading
The habit of reading a book never makes anyone lonely. Books offer a unique space of comfort and a path for escapism from stress. The pandemic era of 2020 made everyone survive in isolation and realize the importance of engaging the mind with creativity. Books have the power to unleash creativity, encourage productivity and cultivate positive thoughts in the minds. Reading can inspire a sense of community feeling through shared understanding and knowledge of certain things. This is how a community of like-minded people can unite together and share their feelings which can curb loneliness despite living in isolation. Due to the pandemic situation many online reading platforms and virtual reading clubs have formed which are keeping the readers and book lovers connected. Book fairs, conventions, seminars, workshops, etc unfortunately couldn’t be organized in the situation that strictly prohibits mass gatherings because of the strain of the deadly virus.
Every year the UNESCO selects a place for the “World Book Capital” for a period of one year and this year it was the city of Tbilisi, Georgia. This year also the UNESCO shared its message with the world and stated that their aim is to involve people extensively in reading. As a part of celebration for this year they created a ‘Bookface’ challenge. Due to the present situation of the world affected with the pandemic all the events decided for celebration have to be online. Keeping the mind the ongoing circumstances the UNESCO shared their positive messages and encouraged everyone to spare some time and download a book from the internet for reading.
Importance of the day
Today the World Book Day is celebrated by millions of people around the world. But such celebrations should be given more attention by the administration of the countries so that the habit of learning through reading becomes a practice among the people especially the younger ones. The importance of the day lies in the fact that no other medium can replace the worth of a book. The day is still unknown to many people of the world. The UNESCO should work more towards bridging these gaps and make the day known to everyone living in different corners of the world.
