Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 Kicks Off at Riverfront
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel inaugurates the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026, celebrating literature, culture, and India's freedom fighters.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel officially inaugurated the Ahmedabad International Book Festival 2026 on Saturday. The grand literary event, hosted at the scenic Ahmedabad Riverfront, serves as a global stage for the exchange of knowledge, culture, and literature. Alongside the festival, the Chief Minister also opened the ‘CHHAAP Exhibition,’ an initiative organized by the Union Ministry of Textiles.
A Celebration of Knowledge and Vision
The festival is a joint venture between the National Book Trust and the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation. Speaking at the event, CM Bhupendra Patel highlighted that the festival coincides with Prime Minister Narendra Modi completing 25 years of public service. He emphasized that the Prime Minister's vision for holistic development includes enhancing the quality of life for citizens by fostering creativity, strengthening critical thinking, and expanding knowledge.
The Chief Minister traced the roots of this event back to the ‘Vanche Gujarat’ campaign launched by PM Modi during his tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. This movement to promote reading led to the first National Book Fair at the Sabarmati Riverfront in 2012, a tradition that has now evolved into an international celebration, bolstering the cultural identity of Ahmedabad.
Investing in Literature and Libraries
Demonstrating the state's commitment to the Gujarati language and cultural heritage, the Chief Minister revealed significant financial allocations in the 2026–27 state budget:
- ₹182 Crore: Allocated for education, cultural activities, library development, and the promotion of the Gujarati language.
- ₹100 Crore: Dedicated to the establishment of the state-of-the-art ‘Namo Central Library’ in Gandhinagar.
Furthermore, the state is focusing on inclusivity by establishing libraries named after Bhagwan Birsa Munda in tribal regions, while simultaneously modernizing and expanding existing libraries at the taluka and district levels.
Honoring Freedom Fighters
A key highlight of the inauguration was the release of the Gujarati edition of ‘Sardar Teja Singh Samundri: Life and Legacy’. Released by the Chief Minister in the presence of Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu, the book chronicles the life of Sardar Teja Singh Samundri, a pivotal figure in the Gurdwara Reform Movement and the founder of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee.
CM Patel stressed the necessity of teaching the younger generation about India’s history and the sacrifices of its freedom fighters to ensure strong values for nation-building.
A Bridge Between Cultures
Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, Sardar Taranjit Singh Sandhu, addressed the gathering, describing the book festival as a powerful platform that unites diverse ideas, languages, and cultures. He praised the life of Sardar Teja Singh Samundri as an inspiring example of dedication to the nation, specifically noting his contributions to women's empowerment, education, and social reform.
LG Sandhu also noted the importance of translation, calling it a "bridge" that allows the history and ideas of one language to be accessible to readers of another, further enriching the literary landscape.
Closing his address, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel urged citizens to make books their lifelong companions and to contribute toward a developed India through a developed Gujarat.