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A total of 41 books were launched under the PM YUVA 2.0 scheme at the New Delhi World Book Fair 2025, aiming to promote young authors and Indian literature. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the event, emphasising the initiative’s role in nurturing new talent and strengthening literary traditions.
The event also saw the release of two key translations:
- The Saga of Kudopali: The Unsung Story of 1857 (Hindi)
- Sangama Madhavante Randu Krithikal (Malayalam), featuring works of 14th-century mathematician and astronomer Madhava.
PM YUVA 2.0 is a mentorship programme designed to support emerging writers by providing training, publishing opportunities, and national exposure. The scheme encourages young authors to explore themes of Indian culture, history, and heritage, while also shedding light on unsung freedom fighters.
Speaking at the event, Pradhan described the initiative as a step towards strengthening India’s literary ecosystem and ensuring greater representation of Indian languages in publishing. He also noted that books in regional languages should reach every part of the country, calling it a “national mission”.
The National Book Trust (NBT), a key player in India’s publishing industry, was highlighted for its efforts in promoting books in Indian languages. Pradhan urged the NBT to:
- Use technology to expand accessibility.
- Collaborate with global publishers to take Indian literature to an international audience.
- Encourage translations to bridge linguistic diversity.
The minister also praised the New Delhi World Book Fair, calling it one of the world’s largest platforms for literary exchange. He described it as a hub for knowledge, culture, and intellectual discourse, offering a space for readers, authors, and publishers to connect.
Alongside PM YUVA 2.0, the Bharatiya Bhasha Pustak Scheme, announced in this year’s budget, aims to accelerate translations and publishing efforts in regional languages. Pradhan noted that this would further enhance access to literature and support India’s multilingual publishing landscape.
