Vishwas Patil Advocates Books Over Smartphones at Pune Book Festival

Noted Marathi author Vishwas Patil and other dignitaries discussed the importance of books over smartphones at the Pune Book Festival. The event, organized by the National Book Trust, featured various sessions and aimed to rekindle the joy of reading among children and adults alike.

Vishwas Patil, a distinguished Marathi author and Sahitya Akademi awardee, voiced strong concerns over the pervasive use of smartphones, particularly among younger generations. At the Pune Book Festival's inauguration, he emphasized that books remain crucial for gaining profound and enduring knowledge, unlike mobile devices.

Patil highlighted the decline in reading habits due to the average Indian spending approximately six hours daily on their mobile phones. He lauded gram panchayats in Sangli district for limiting children's mobile use during specific evening hours to foster reading habits.

The National Book Trust's Pune Book Festival has turned the city into a beacon for literary enthusiasts. Various dignitaries, including Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol and State Education Minister Chandrakant Patil, participated in the festival, emphasizing its role in enhancing Pune's cultural identity.

(With inputs from agencies.)