Lucknow: The National Book Fair at Balrampur Garden has highlighted the strong presence of Urdu literature, with readers of all ages flocking to stalls featuring celebrated poets and writers. Works by John Elia and Rahat Indori are among the top draws. Titles like Naqsh-e-Faryadi, Naraz, Mere Baad, and Rut are being quickly picked up by poetry enthusiasts. Amir, a local poet, said he visits the fair each year to find rare editions of Elia’s collections, calling them a timeless source of inspiration.
At the stall of the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy, books that help connect readers with the Urdu language have become popular. School student Aman expressed excitement over finding Hindi se Urdu Seekhein by Noorul Hasan Hashmi, saying it would help him strengthen his command of the script and vocabulary. The Academy’s stall has seen strong demand from students and young learners who view Urdu as both a cultural and academic asset.
The popularity of Urdu books reflects the language’s deep cultural roots in the region. Many young readers are showing interest not only in classical poetry but also in contemporary collections. This trend has encouraged publishers to stock larger volumes of Urdu literature, ensuring wider access for the next generation of readers.
The fair also offers titles across Hindi and English, but the demand for Urdu poetry and learning materials demonstrates its continuing influence. The response suggests that Urdu literature remains an essential part of the city’s literary identity.
