World Book and Copyright Day 2023: Every year on April 23, World Book and Copyright Day is marked to promote book reading, particularly among the younger population. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) organised this event to offset the decreased priority placed on reading as a result of the abundance of knowledge available from numerous sources. The purpose of this day is to encourage people worldwide to cultivate a habit of reading books. The focus is on promoting reading as the primary source of information and entertainment.
April 2023 Current Affairs Quiz
World Book and Copyright Day 2023: Theme
The theme for World Book Day 2023 is ‘Indigenous Languages.’ It focuses on promoting the diversity in native languages of a country.
World Book and Copyright Day 2023: Significance
World Book and Copyright Day holds significant importance as it aims to promote reading and literacy, encourage the publishing and protection of books, and honor the contributions of authors and their works. UNESCO seeks to promote reading as a fundamental human right, a source of education, and a tool for personal development and cultural understanding by commemorating this day. Additionally, this day raises awareness of the importance of copyright laws in protecting the intellectual property rights of authors and publishers. Overall, World Book and Copyright Day serves as a reminder of the vital role that books, authors, and copyright laws play in enriching our lives and shaping society.
World Book and Copyright Day: History
World Book and Copyright Day originated in 1922, when Vicente Clavel, the director of the Cervantes publishing house, proposed designating a day to Miguel de Cervantes. The first World Book Day was celebrated in Barcelona on October 7, 1926, which marked Cervantes’ birthday. However, in 1930, the date was changed to April 23, the day Cervantes passed away. This date was chosen because it falls on the birthdays and deaths of several famous authors, including William Shakespeare and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega. In 1995, UNESCO recognised and designated April 23 as World Book and Copyright Day.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- UNESCO Headquarters: Paris, France;
- UNESCO Founded: 16 November 1945, London, United Kingdom;
- UNESCO Director-General, Audrey Azoulay
