Lucknow: The Gomti Book Festival has become a platform for Gen Z readers to connect with the narratives of India’s freedom fighters and social reformers. Amid ongoing discussions about equality and justice on social media, these young readers are increasingly drawn to literature that highlights the lives and struggles of those who challenged authority and societal norms. This trend reflects a growing interest in historical figures who have shaped India’s path to social change.
Because i wanted to understand his ideas in his own words rather than just reading about him in textbooks,” said a student, Amit Jaiswal, i bought ‘Why I Am an Atheist’.
Priyanshu Verma, a student, said that he picked up ‘The Story of My Experiments with Truth’ to understand Mahatma Gandhi beyond the version presented in textbooks. Another student, Anshita Yadav, said that Savitribai Phule’s work in educating girls inspired her to learn more about her and Jyotirao Phule. Ritvik Saran, a student, said, “I had read about Dr BR Ambedkar in school, but ‘Annihilation of Caste’ made me curious to understand his thoughts in greater depth.
“I first became interested in Bhagat Singh after watching videos about his life online. What stayed with me was how young he was when he decided to stand up for what he believed in. I picked up ‘Savitribai Phule: Her Life, Her Relationships, Her Legacy’ along with Jyotirao Phule’s ‘Gulamgiri’ to understand their ideas on education, caste and social reform. I also bought ‘The Discovery of India’ by Pt Jawaharlal Nehru to learn Indian history, culture, and philosophy from the Indus Valley Civilization to the British Raj.”