National Book Trust Unveils 13 Garhwali and Kumaoni Books at Doon Book Festival 2026
In a landmark cultural initiative, the National Book Trust, India (NBT) has released 13 books each in Garhwali and Kumaoni languages at the ongoing Doon Book Festival 2026. This significant move aims to preserve and promote the rich linguistic heritage of Uttarakhand, marking a defining highlight of the festival held at the historic Parade Ground in Dehradun.
Stories from the Hills: Preserving Uttarakhand's Linguistic Roots
The 26 titles were officially launched by Pushkar Singh Dhami, the Honourable Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, during the festival's inauguration on April 4. This project is the result of a dedicated effort by NBT, which brought together writers, translators, and language experts from across the state. Building on a specialized workshop held last year, the initiative involved curating and translating children's literature and key literary works into Garhwali and Kumaoni, two languages vital to Uttarakhand's cultural fabric.
The Garhwali titles released include Chauri-Chaura Jan Kranti ko Nayo Sabero, Nanna Haira Chakhula, Ummeedai Kiran, Gaira Sagara Ajooba, and Aadmi ar Chhail ar Hauri Kahani, among others. The Kumaoni titles launched feature Maati Myar Deshe ki, Abhimaanai Haar, Badhanai Jaani Kaan, Khatu Shyamak Ansuni Kahani, and Gulaab ka Dagdu, among others. By expanding access to quality reading material in mother tongues, this initiative ensures that younger generations remain connected to their linguistic roots, fostering a sense of pride and identity.
Alignment with National Education Policy 2020
This project aligns closely with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes multilingual education and learning through the mother tongue. In India, where multilingualism is a common reality in households, these books bridge the gap between languages spoken at home and those encountered in formal education. NBT's efforts nurture early literacy by offering stories across languages, including the Garhwali and Kumaoni translations released at the festival. By doing so, they foster respect for India's diverse linguistic fabric and help nurture a generation that carries forward the country's rich heritage with pride, one story at a time.
Doon Book Festival: Transforming Dehradun into a Literary Hub
The Doon Book Festival 2026 is slowly transforming Dehradun into a thriving literary hub, with over 300 book stalls by publishers from across India and a diverse range of sessions. Daily learning activities for children add to the festival's appeal, making it a comprehensive cultural event. Amid the scale and spectacle, the focused investment in regional languages stands out as a key achievement, highlighting the importance of preserving local dialects in a globalized world.
Complementary Doon Lit Fest: A Platform for Dialogue and Ideas
Complementing the book releases, the dynamic Doon Lit Fest began on April 5, emerging as a lively platform for dialogue and ideas. It features a diverse lineup of voices, including Nitin Seth, Kulpreet Yadav, Akhilendra Mishra, Acharya Prashant, Shubhanshu Shukla, and Satish Dua, among others. Their sessions delve into a wide spectrum of themes, such as:
- Cinema and contemporary literature
- Leadership and courage in uniform
- Patriotism and revolutionary movements in India's past
- Evolving human-machine relationships
This festival not only celebrates books but also encourages intellectual exchange, making it a vital part of Uttarakhand's cultural landscape. Together, the book releases and lit fest underscore the state's commitment to education, heritage, and community engagement, setting a precedent for future cultural initiatives across India.
