A new day dawns bright and early, shadowed by heavy clouds and thundering rain, but the looming weather doesn’t seem to dissuade the hoards of people all geared up and ready for the day ahead. Ten exclusive days spent among books and its wonders, it was the annual Book Fair 2023.
A Book Fair in September pays homage to the World Literacy Month: a world where words are the bridges to understanding, the keys to knowledge, and the seeds of change. It’s a celebration that transcends borders, transcends generations, and transcends time. We reflect on the immense power that words wield in fostering understanding and forging connections.
In a world filled with distractions, the act of reading is a sanctuary for the mind and a celebration of the written word. During this month, we urge you to rediscover the joy of reading, whether it’s a gripping novel, an inspiring poem, or an enlightening article. We encourage you to grapple with words, fight for inspiration, find solace in reading a book on a cozy, rainy day and come to life in the worlds that have been created.
Literacy isn’t just about reading; it’s about empowerment. It’s about ensuring that every individual has access to the tools they need to unlock their full potential. This month serves as a reminder of the importance of literacy programs, access to education, and the right to read for all. Whether written or spoken, words are the vessels through which we convey our thoughts, emotions, and stories; it is the cornerstones of communication, the currency of expression.
This Month is a wonderful opportunity to share our deep love and appreciation for the beauty and power of words with others. Let’s take a moment to pause, relax, and breathe in the enchanting world of literature. Recommend a favourite book to someone you know, explore the possibility of volunteering at a local literacy program, choose to engage in meaningful conversation, where words flow like poetry, and ideas dance like vibrant colours on a canvas. Embrace the magic of language and let it guide you towards moments of connection, because we have the power to inspire a love for words in those around us.
Throughout history, words have been the catalysts for change. They have ignited revolutions, challenged injustice, and sparked movements that have reshaped societies. It is through words that history has carved itself, and it will be through words that the future will write itself down. During this month, we Celebrate the writers, poets, and activists who have used their words to change the world. In this digitised world, where we are bombarded with information, this month encourages us to reflect on the narratives that shape our lives. We realise that we have the power to craft our own stories, to choose the words that define us, and to share our unique perspectives with the world.
As Word Literacy Month unfolds, we celebrate more than just letters on a page; we celebrate the very essence of human existence. We celebrate the ability to connect, to learn, to empathise, and to inspire through words. This month, we find the motivation to read more, write more, and share the transformative power of words with the world. Let us remember that in a world overflowing with words, it’s our responsibility to ensure that every voice is heard, every story is told, and every mind is empowered through literacy. As we journey through this month of words, may we carry the torch of knowledge and enlightenment, illuminating the path for ourselves and others, one word at a time.
Penned By:
Rtr. Benushi Rajapaksha
Co Editor 23-24
