Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan underscored the significance of reading, stating that books have been his greatest source of strength. Speaking at the inauguration of the Vijayawada Book Fair on December 2, Pawan Kalyan emphasized that his courage, knowledge, and perspective were shaped by his reading habit.
“Books have given me immense strength. If not for reading, I don’t know what I would have become. Though I stopped formal education after intermediate, I never gave up reading,” he remarked, adding that he feels a deep emotional bond with his collection.
He expressed regret over his incomplete command of the Telugu language and urged youth to prioritize their mother tongue. “I regret not mastering Telugu. Everyone should strengthen their hold on our language. English is important, but our mother tongue is even more essential. Andhra Pradesh has a rich literary legacy, and we must uphold it,” he said.
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Pawan Kalyan highlighted that poets and writers reflect the true essence of society. “Reading poetry reveals the struggles and emotions of writers. Great writers inspire us to understand our culture and society better. Visiting the homes of literary figures provides immense motivation,” he noted.
Addressing the necessity of knowledge hubs, he called for more libraries to promote literature and learning. “A well-read society is essential. Writers need support, and we should focus on expanding libraries,” he said.
The Deputy CM also emphasized the role of teachers, suggesting they should receive the highest salaries. “Education should be prioritized. Even if you wear a torn shirt, buy a good book. Books are more valuable than appearances,” he advised.
Sharing a personal anecdote, Pawan Kalyan revealed that he dedicated a significant portion of his earnings to purchasing books. “When I earned ₹15 lakh as remuneration, I spent ₹1 lakh on books. My goal is to read 10,000 books in my lifetime,” he shared.
Concluding his address, Pawan Kalyan highlighted the need for reprinting valuable literary works and promoting cultural awareness. “We should chant the names of literary greats like Sri Sri instead of focusing on superficial trends. For me, books are life. I urge everyone to develop a reading habit as it empowers the mind and society,” he said.