Not many people are aware of the fact that every year April 23rd, is being celebrated as World Book And Copyright Day.
This special day is mainly considered as tribute to all books and the authors for immense contributions towards the development and promotion of literature. UNESCO or United Nations Educational And Scientific And Cultural Organisation, made this day known as World Book Day since 1995.
This day was mainly chosen on basis that notable authors like Cervantes,Shakesphere, Garcilasco, who passed away on this day. Infact the connection between April 23rd and books was first made first in 1923 itself, by the booksellers in Spain as means of honoring Miguel de Cervantes who passed away on this day.
World Book Capital 2015: Incheon, Republic of Korea
Each year, UNESCO and the international organizations representing the three major sectors of the book industry – publishers, booksellers and libraries, select the World Book Capital for a one-year period, effective 23 April each year. The city of Incheon was chosen for this year in recognition of its programme to promote reading among people and underprivileged sections of the population.
But these days World Book And copyright day is followed in as many as in 100 countries where schools,private businesses, voluntary organisations,people and many groups etc join together to pay their tribute to books and authors. UNESCO describes this remembrance as an opportunity to recognise the power of books to change our lives and to support books and those persons who created those books.
On the World Book And Copyright Day last year, many book publishers and sellers gave National book tokens to children under the age of 18 in United Kingdom and Ireland.Books are companion for our lives and are ocean of knowledge.So people must show interest in developing reading of books for their life betterment.
About UNESCO
- UNESCO was formed in November 16th 1945.
- Its headquarters is situated in Paris,France.
- It is an specialised agency of United Nations aiming to provide peace and security.
- UNESCO has got 195 member states and 9 associate members.
- Various programmes under this organisation include education, natural sciences, social sciences,culture, and information
- Current head of this organisation is Irina Bokova,Director-General of UNESCO.