CBT Celebrates Children's Happiness Day during the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair

News Desk, News Nation 360 : Children's Book Trust (CBT - www.childrensbooktrust.com), India's pioneering non-profit publisher dedicated to children's literature, marked Children's Happiness Day at its stall at the ongoing 49th International Kolkata Book Fair by launching a special awareness initiative titled "Book Helps, Mobile Harms." The campaign attempts to emphasise the need of instilling reading habits in children at a young age, while also drawing attention to the negative effects of excessive mobile phone usage. The Children's Book Trust is currently taking part in the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair at Stall No. E-63 has a wide range of over one thousand affordable books in English, Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu. The event to mark Children's Happiness Day included children from the CINI NGO to represent the Trust's commitment to inclusive learning and development. Renowned storyteller Golpo Dida and specialists such as Sudeshna Moitra were also present at the launch to mingle with the public and stress the need for the combined efforts of

society to develop the minds of children. As part of the Book Helps Mobile Harms initiative, the Trust is trying to address the deep-seated concerns of parents about the damaging effects of too much screen time on children. This initiative points out the dangers of the excessive use of mobile phones to the eyesight and mental faculties of children, while reading helps to develop imagination and critical thinking. According to worldwide research, too much screen time is directly associated with poor sleeping habits, anxiety and decreased academic performance in children. Specialists have pointed out that too much use of smartphones can result in reduced deep thinking and reduced opportunities for healthy social interactions and physical activities. On the other hand, the Trust encourages children to read as a means of developing a healthier and more substantial relationship with learning. Through the distribution of high-quality and low-cost books, the Trust aims to ensure that literature is accessible to all children, irrespective of their parents' income levels. This particular initiative is part of the Trust's overall strategy to increase its presence in Eastern India and to re-engage the younger generation with the joy of physical books. Kishore Lal, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Children’s Book Trust, stated that their involvement in the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair is more than just selling books; it is also about reconnecting youngsters with the joy of reading. With the 'Book Helps, Mobile Harms' campaign, they address parents' concerns about excessive screen exposure while reaffirming that books are still the most effective medium for learning, imagination, and value formation.

Pic - Krishnendu Kundu