At the 37th Hyderabad Book Fair, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy emphasized the importance of books, noting how literature played a crucial role in fueling the Telangana statehood movement. He urged the digital generation to revisit the treasure trove of history and true accounts preserved in books, highlighting the critical role of authors in shaping regional narratives.

Women’s literary contributions stood out at the Aksharayan stall, which displayed works by over 1,500 female Telugu authors. Founded in 2019 by Inampudi Shreelakshmi with just 40 members, Aksharayan has grown into a vital platform for women’s voices. The stall featured writings on diverse subjects, including child abuse, Bathukamma’s cultural significance, and Telugu theatre.

“I started writing after retirement and have written four novels since,” said Lalita Verma, a former teacher, exemplifying how women continue to preserve and promote language and storytelling traditions.

The event underscored the enduring power of literature in uniting generations and fostering new perspectives, with Aksharayan shining a light on the often-overlooked contributions of women authors.