VARANASI: The Lal Bahadur Shastri International (LBSI) Airport in Varanasi has become the first in India to have a reading lounge.

Apart from books on Kashi, the reading lounge's library has a collection of literature and books in several international languages, besides books of youth authors released under Prime Minister Yuva Yojana.

The Varanasi airport has become the first airport in the nation to have a free reading lounge, according to LBSI Airport Director Aryama Sanyal. The National Book Trust (NBT), an Indian publishing house and independent body housed inside the Union government's ministry of education, provided support for the establishment of the lounge. This lounge, which was built close to the main lobby entrance of the airport, will be run by the NBT. 

Avanish Awasthi, a senior adviser to the chief minister, opened the lounge and made the following remarks: "Being associated with the NBT for four to five years and working on the issue of disability, I was requested by it to take part in the inaugural event of this unique initiative inspired by the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is giving equal emphasis to promotion of sports and studies. With the aid of NBT, these reading lounges can also be established in the state. For both traditionalists and modern travellers, as well as for those who want to learn more about the mysterious past of this historic city, the airport reading lounge is a reflection of Kashi.

Along with literature in Hindi, French, Spanish, English, and many other Indian languages, the reading lounge also highlights literary figures from Varanasi through their works, iconic locations, and little-known facts and connections to the city. These topics include India's culture, history, traditional knowledge systems, health and wellness, and traditional knowledge systems.

The Prime Minister's Mentorship Scheme for Young Writers (PM-YUVA Scheme) features a special shelf in the lounge where aspiring writers can display their most recent publications.

Through a QR code, the lounge also provides free access to any book's downloaded chapters. Another QR code provides access to some Free Audiobooks for the tech-savvy age, all from the convenience of a smartphone, laptop, or tablet.

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