‘Reading inspiration day’ to honour Kalam’s legacy

The Maharashtra government has announced that October 15, the birth anniversary of the late former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, will be observed as ‘Reading Inspiration Day’. The initiative aims to promote a culture of reading and encourage the development, preservation, and propagation of the Marathi language.

This year’s program carries the theme: “Let’s take a step forward, let’s make Marathi the language of knowledge”. All state government departments, government and semi-government offices, public institutions, boards, commissioners, and district collectors’ offices will organize various activities both online and in-person to mark the occasion.

The celebrations will extend beyond literature to cover subjects including science, technology, management, environment, health, computer science, and space science. Youth-focused, employment-oriented activities will also be conducted to engage young participants. Workshops will include translation and professional writing, e-books, self-publishing, online book sales, code writing, and short film or documentary creation. Additionally, lectures, seminars, readings, group discussions, book exhibitions, and the creation of ‘Marathi Vachan Katta’ will be organized, alongside virtual and live Marathi literary conferences.

To maximize the use of the Marathi language, programs will raise awareness about its application in judicial processes, government administration, and media. Literary organizations such as the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad, Marathwada Sahitya Parishad, Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh, Konkan Marathi Sahitya Parishad, Dakshin Maharashtra Sahitya Sabha, and Mumbai Marathi Sahitya Sangh will collaborate in organizing events.

Programs will be held in libraries, colleges, technical and diploma institutes, and under the School Education Department, as well as municipal and local government institutions. The initiative reflects Maharashtra’s commitment to nurturing reading habits and celebrating the legacy of Dr. Kalam by inspiring knowledge and learning in Marathi.