By Purushotham Agni
Journalist and Academician
Today, April 23, the world pauses to celebrate World Book and Copyright Day. While UNESCO honors Rabat, Morocco, as this year’s World Book Capital, we in Mysuru have our own storied relationship with the written word.
The Power of the Mother Tongue
The global theme for 2026 focuses on multilingualism. For us, this is a daily reality. Mysuru has always been a melting pot of languages—from the classical depths of Kannada literature to the academic rigor of English and the poetic beauty of Sanskrit and Urdu. Books are the bridges that allow us to step out of our own lives and into the shoes of someone across the globe.
Mysuru: A Living Library
Our city isn’t just known for its palaces and sandalwood; it is a city of scholars. From the Oriental Research Institute, which preserved the Arthashastra, to the vibrant community of modern writers and journalists, Mysuru remains a sanctuary for thinkers.
However, in an age of 30-second videos and instant notifications, the “deep reading” of a physical book is becoming a rare art. Today is a reminder to reclaim that focus.
How Can We Celebrate Today?
Whether you’re a casual reader or a dedicated bibliophile, there are plenty of ways to join the celebration:
1. Support Local Bookstores: Visit the iconic shops in Lansdowne Building or modern hubs to find your next read.
2. The Gift of Knowledge: Donate a book to a local government school or a neighborhood library.
3. Read Together: Take 30 minutes today to read a story to a child or share a favorite passage with a friend.
4. The #ReadingHour: Many people dedicate an hour (often 7–8 PM) to silence their phones and just read.
5. Book Swaps: A great way to give a second life to a book you loved and discover something new.
6.Multilingual Reading: In honor of this year’s theme, try exploring a short story or poem in a different language or by an author from another culture.
A Final Thought: A book is more than paper and ink; it is a conversation between an author and a reader. Today, let’s ensure that conversation never goes silent in our city.
What are you reading today, Mysuru? Share your favorite titles in the comments below!
