Guwahati: Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma inaugurated the Assam Book Fair 2025 and honoured 818 young writers with the Yuva Lekhak Samman at a programme held at the playground of Khanapara Veterinary College, Guwahati. The event was organised by the Assam Publication Board and the All Assam Book Publishers and Sellers Association.
Under the Yuva Lekhak Samman, each selected writer received a cash award of Rs. 25,000. The Chief Minister said the awards aim to encourage young writers and promote original writing.
The Assam Book Fair began today and will continue for 14 days. More than 135 publishing houses from Assam and other parts of the country, including Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Haryana, are taking part.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sarma said the Assam Government has declared 2025 as the “Year of Books.” As part of this initiative, book fairs are being organised not only in Guwahati but also in Bongaigaon, Lakhimpur, Nalbari, Jorhat, Tinsukia, Silchar and Mangaldoi. He said these fairs will help increase book sales and create more readers across the state.
The Chief Minister said the government introduced the Yuva Lekhak Samman for writers below 40 years of age. Applications were invited in Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Mising, Karbi, Nepali and other community languages. Out of nearly 2,300 applications, 818 writers were selected.
Referring to the recognition of Assamese as a classical language, Dr. Sarma said it reflects the rich history and originality of the language. He spoke about the long literary tradition of Assamese, from ancient texts to modern writers, and said young writers now carry the responsibility of taking this legacy forward.
The Chief Minister urged young writers to focus on original writing and not depend on copied ideas or artificial intelligence. He said no machine can replace human emotions and creativity. He also reminded writers to be responsible and ethical, especially while writing on social movements and protests.
Dr. Sarma said that although the medium of literature has changed with social media and digital platforms, the importance of literature remains the same. He added that literature must reflect society honestly and contribute positively to the future.
Education Minister Ranoj Pegu, Vice-Chairman of the Assam Publication Board Sumanta Chaliha, noted author Amish Tripathi, Asom Sahitya Sabha President Basanta Kumar Goswami, and several other dignitaries attended the programme.
