Reported By Mahatab Chowdhury
Kolkata, January 28, 2026:
Children’s Book Trust (CBT), India’s pioneering non-profit publisher dedicated to children’s literature, celebrated Children’s Happiness Day at its stall during the ongoing 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, highlighting the enduring importance of books in a child’s development.
On the occasion, CBT launched a special awareness initiative titled “Book Helps, Mobile Harms”, aimed at encouraging reading habits among children while drawing attention to the growing concerns surrounding excessive mobile phone usage and screen dependency.
Located at Stall No. E-63, Children’s Book Trust is showcasing a curated collection of over 1,000 affordable children’s books in English, Bengali, Hindi, and Urdu, including picture books, storybooks, and knowledge-based, value-driven titles. The celebration was marked by the presence of children from Child in Need Institute (CINI), underlining CBT’s commitment to inclusive learning and child development.
The launch event was attended by renowned storyteller Golpo Dida (Ms. Sudeshna Moitra), Mr. Sujoy Roy, National Advocacy Officer, CINI, and Ms. Rana Siddiqui Zaman, Lead Strategist – Content, Communications and Promotions, Children’s Book Trust. The dignitaries interacted with children, parents, and visitors, reinforcing the collective responsibility of society to nurture young minds through books.
Through the “Book Helps, Mobile Harms” campaign, CBT highlighted how excessive mobile phone usage can negatively impact children’s eyesight, concentration, mental well-being, and overall development. In contrast, the Trust emphasised the long-term benefits of reading, including improved focus, imagination, creativity, critical thinking, and sustained knowledge acquisition.
Supporting the campaign, global data from the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2023–24 indicates that at least 79 education systems worldwide have imposed bans on smartphone usage in classrooms, acknowledging the disruptive effect of mobile devices on learning outcomes. Studies cited in the report suggest that even the presence of smartphones can significantly reduce student attention and academic performance.
Further global research highlights that excessive screen exposure among children is linked to poor concentration, disrupted sleep, eye strain, anxiety, and reduced academic achievement. Experts caution that early and frequent smartphone usage discourages deep thinking, imagination, physical activity, and meaningful social interaction.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kishore Lal, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Children’s Book Trust, said,
“Our participation in the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair is not merely about selling books; it is about reconnecting children with the joy of reading. Through the ‘Book Helps, Mobile Harms’ campaign, we are responding to parents’ concerns and reaffirming that books remain the most powerful medium for learning and value formation.”
With a legacy of 69 years, the New Delhi-based Children’s Book Trust has played a vital role in shaping generations of young readers through high-quality, well-illustrated, and affordable Indian children’s literature. Its participation at the Kolkata Book Fair aligns with CBT’s broader ‘Look East Policy’, aimed at expanding its outreach across Eastern and North-Eastern India.
Ms. Rana Siddiqui Zaman added,
“Children today are spending far too much time on digital screens. Books help nurture curiosity, imagination, and concentration. As a non-profit trust, our goal is to ensure that good books remain accessible and affordable for every child, especially those from low-income families.”
CBT’s focused outreach under the Look East Policy has been gaining strong response in cities such as Asansol, Patna, Panagarh, Siliguri, Ranchi, Guwahati, Darjeeling, and Shillong, where parents and children continue to rediscover the joy of reading.
