Books vs Screens: Pune Festival Sparks Debate on Kids’ Smartphone Addiction

Updated: December 14, 2025 11:33

At the Pune Book Festival 2025, writer Vishwas Patil warned against children’s rising smartphone dependence, stressing that books remain vital for authentic knowledge. With India’s average screen time nearing six hours daily, the festival’s theme “Joy of Reading” aims to revive literary culture and encourage balanced digital use among youth.

At the Pune Book Festival 2025, noted Marathi writer and Sahitya Akademi awardee Vishwas Patil raised a pressing concern: the growing dependence of children on smartphones and its impact on reading habits. Speaking at the festival’s inauguration, Patil emphasized that while technology has its place, books remain irreplaceable as sources of authentic and enduring knowledge.

Key Highlights

Alarming Usage Trends: Patil cited data showing that the average Indian spends nearly six hours daily on mobile phones, calling it a worrying pattern that erodes intellectual engagement and reduces meaningful reading time.

Books as Companions: He stressed that books are lifelong companions, offering depth and authenticity that digital platforms cannot replicate.

Festival Turnout: According to Rajesh Pande, convenor of the Pune Book Festival, the strong turnout at the inaugural ceremony reflected a renewed interest in reading across age groups, despite digital distractions.

Theme of the Festival: The 2025 edition, held at Fergusson College from December 13–21, is centered around the theme “Joy of Reading”, aiming to reconnect communities with literature in an era dominated by screens.

Cultural Significance: The festival features book launches, author interactions, and initiatives like the “book bus”, designed to make literature more accessible to children and young adults.

Broader Context

The concern over smartphone dependence is not unique to India. Globally, educators and parents worry about the decline in reading habits among children, as digital entertainment increasingly competes with books. Patil’s remarks highlight the need for balanced digital consumption and renewed efforts to cultivate reading as a daily practice.

The Pune Book Festival, now in its third edition, has become a cultural landmark for Maharashtra, promoting literature and encouraging dialogue about the role of books in shaping society. By spotlighting the issue of smartphone addiction, the festival underscores its mission to preserve and nurture intellectual curiosity among the younger generation.

The Pune Book Festival 2025 is not just a celebration of literature—it is a call to action, urging society to safeguard reading habits against the tide of digital dependence.

Sources: Hindustan Times, Curly Tales, NBT India

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