Prof R K Samnotra, Dr Asha Rani
We celebrate 23rd April as World Book and Copyright Day to promote reading, publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. It is a symbolic date in world literature. It is the date on which several prominent authors like William Shakespeare, Miguel de Cervantes and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega all died. It was established by a resolution of the 28th General Council of UNESCO and officially recognized and adopted April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day in 1995. By celebrating this day, UNESCO intends to promote reading as a fundamental human right, a source of education, and a tool for personal development and cultural understanding. Additionally, this day raises awareness of the importance of copyright laws in protecting the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers. Its avowed aim was to pay a world-wide tribute to books and authors on this date, encouraging everyone, and in particular young people, to discover the pleasure of reading and gain a renewed respect for the irreplaceable contributions of those who have furthered the social and cultural progress of humanity. UNESCO’s idea behind celebrating this day is to encourage people to build a habit of reading books.Books are the oldest source of knowledge for all of humankind. Be it fiction, non-fiction, biographies or self-published ones, the range is aplenty.In the present scenario, books play a vital role in a student’s life, offering numerous benefits that cater to their academic, personal and professional development.
In addition to celebrating the power of books, World Book and Copyright Day also underscores the importance of copyright protection. Copyright laws are essential in ensuring that authors, artists, and creators can retain ownership of their works and be rewarded for their intellectual contributions. Copyright provides creators with the exclusive right to reproduce, distribute, and display their works, protecting them from unauthorized use.Without copyright protection, the incentive for creativity would be severely undermined. Authors, musicians, filmmakers, and other content creators invest significant time, energy, and resources into crafting their works, and it is only fair that they are compensated for their efforts. Copyright laws also play a crucial role in the broader creative economy, ensuring that the intellectual property industry thrives and that creators continue to produce high-quality works.
One of the primary goals of World Book and Copyright Day is to emphasize the importance of books and reading. Books have the unique power to connect individuals to different cultures, experiences, and ideas. Reading books can help individuals disconnect from the constant stream of digital information, reducing screen time and promoting mental well-being. They enable readers to engage in a deeper understanding of the world around them and contribute to their intellectual development. In an age where digital media is becoming increasingly dominant, this day serves as a reminder of the timeless value of books, whether physical or digital.
Books remain one of the most effective tools for self-improvement, education, and personal growth. They are essential to the pursuit of knowledge, helping individuals to access new information and perspectives. Furthermore, reading is crucial for developing critical thinking, improving language skills, and fostering creativity.As the world continues to face social, political, and environmental challenges, books remain a medium through which solutions, wisdom, and stories of hope can be shared. They are an invaluable resource for cultivating empathy, bridging cultural divides, and fostering a more informed and educated society.
This is why World Book and Copyright Day emphasize the need for robust copyright systems. It reminds us that respecting intellectual property is not only a legal obligation but a moral one. We must acknowledge the efforts of those who create the books, music, films, and other forms of art that enrich our lives, and we must actively support the enforcement of copyright laws to protect their rights.
World Book and Copyright Day is observed in many countries around the world, with each nation celebrating in its own way. Events, such as book fairs, author talks, and readings, are organized to engage the public and encourage reading. Schools, libraries, and bookstores often hold special activities to promote books and raise awareness about the importance of intellectual property.The celebration of this day also extends to social media, where book enthusiasts and organizations share their favorite books, recommendations, and stories about how books have influenced their lives.
Parents, teachers and library professionals play a vital role in encouraging students to read books, fostering a love for reading and promoting literacy skills. They can work together to promote reading for pleasure, encouraging students to read for enjoyment and personal growth, collaborate to develop reading skills such as comprehension, fluency and vocabulary and provide opportunities for students to practice and apply these skills, foster a love of reading in students, helping them develop a lifelong passion for learning and exploration, provide access to diverse texts, including fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and digital media, to cater to different interests and learning styles and also encourage reading communities, where students can share their love of reading with peers and build a sense of belonging.
In conclusion, World Book and Copyright Day serve as an important reminder of the power of books in shaping our world, both intellectually and culturally. It encourages us to celebrate the written word, acknowledge the contributions of authors and creators, and advocate for the protection of intellectual property. Books are not just physical objects; they are windows into new world, sources of inspiration, and vehicles for change.
On this day, let us reflect on how books have enriched our lives and continue to influence the future, while recognizing the importance of copyright in preserving the rights of those who bring these literary treasures to life. By supporting authors, publishers, and creators, we can ensure that the next generation of literary works continues to flourish for years to come.
(Prof R K Samnotra is a University Librarian &
Dr Asha Rani in Library Assistant is SKUAST-Jammu Libraries)
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