The recent social context of Bangladesh is undergoing a profound change. When the teenage gang culture, aversion to educational institutions and moral degradation have become a wall in front of our future, then the book fair can be one of the tools to break that wall. Books are not only a source of information, but they are the main means of changing people's perspectives. The Amar Ekushey Book Fair today is not just a shopping fair, but it is a huge platform to sharpen the mindset of the young generation. In the words of the poet- "People grow up by reading books, and the country becomes blind if they do not read books."
Developing a reading habit among the youth is a long-term investment for any nation. When teenagers are trapped in screens in the current era of digital addiction, the dust and smell of the fair and the scent of books can bring them back to the real world. The habit of reading books makes people patient and teaches them to think deeply. According to the Bangla Academy website, the majority of new books that come to the fair every year are written for young readers, which provides them with food for creative thinking.
Literature is a unique guide to finding the true meaning of life. When young people who have stepped into the blind alleys of teenage gangs read timeless novels or autobiographies, they understand that the meaning of life is not destruction but creation. In the words of Rabindranath, "The wealth of the heart is the ultimate wealth of man." It is possible to acquire this spiritual wealth through reading books, which protects young people from misguidance and sets a positive goal for their lives.
Human values are awakened by the practice of tender scholarship. A large part of today's youth is suffering from a crisis of empathy and morality. The characters of literature teach readers to feel the sorrows and sufferings of other people. When a student comes to the book fair and collects books of different genres, he actually learns tolerance and diversity. These human qualities make him a benefactor and a good citizen in the future.
Book fairs are a silent revolution in preventing time wastage. It is much more fruitful to turn the pages of a good book than to spend hours and hours on social media. During the fair, young people spend their free time in books, which keeps their brain active and keeps them away from unnecessary curiosity. "Time and tide wait for no one" - this extreme truth can be understood best by book readers.
The Ekushey Book Fair is the seat of healthy culture practice. It is not just a collection of books, it is the bearer of our national heritage. Things like songs, poetry recitation and painting at the fair wash away the darkness in the minds of the youth. By getting acquainted with our folk culture and national heritage, they find their roots. Without being swept away by the strong current of subculture, the youth learn to be proud of their heritage.
Formation of a positive mindset and proper development of talent are one of the gifts of book fairs. The only way to get rid of the violent attitude that is seen among students in trivial incidents these days is healthy entertainment and knowledge. Social bonds between them are strengthened by associating with friends at book fairs. They get a different definition of friendship in the pages of books - where books are the most trusted and silent friends of people.
The issue of acquiring moral education and showing respect for teachers is very relevant in the present time. By reading books, students learn the dignity of elders and courtesy towards elders. From ancient literature to modern articles, the excellence of the givers of knowledge has been described everywhere. The book fair awakens the students' sense that life is not only about achieving a certificate, but also morality and humility are the criteria for excellence.
It is possible to prevent intellectual trafficking and participate in the development of the country by increasing patriotism and awareness. The books on the Liberation War published at the fair are able to make the new generation understand the value of our independence. When they smell the scent of their country's soil in the weaving of words, a kind of responsibility is created in them. This awareness will develop them as craftsmen of the digital and smart Bangladesh of the future.
It can be said that the book fair is not just a one-month event; it is a long-term reform process. Let books be our only light to break this darkness of teenage gangs and aversion to education. If the youth's meeting is with books, then only an educated and developed Bangladesh of the future will be built. So let's raise the slogan - "Read books, build our homeland." By adopting the right guidance of life hidden in every page of the book, we take our beloved motherland to new heights.
The writer is President of the International Anti-Drug Organization
