World Book and Copyright Day 2026: Minister Sukon calls for revival of reading culture

The Open University of Mauritius (OUOM) marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026, yesterday in Réduit, in the presence of the Minister of Tertiary Education, Science and Research, Dr Kaviraj Sharma Sukon. Celebrated annually on 23 April, the Day highlights the enduring power of books to connect generations and cultures. The Day also carries strong literary significance as it commemorates the passing of several renowned authors.

The event was attended by the Chairperson of OUOM, Mr Chundunsing Baichoo; the Director-General of OUOM, Dr Dinesh Surroop; the Commissioner of the Higher Education Commission, Professor (Dr) Romeela Mohee; along with other distinguished guests.

In his address, Minister Sukon stressed the importance of reviving a strong reading culture, particularly among children. He also emphasised the need to further strengthen OUOM’s e-library, noting that it has significantly enhanced the quality of research.

Moreover, the Minister encouraged the public to actively promote reading, despite the growing presence of artificial intelligence and the widespread availability of digital books. While acknowledging that AI tools now enable faster and more efficient content creation, including books and videos, he urged authors to preserve their originality and continue producing meaningful and high-quality work.

For his part, Mr Baichoo described the Day as a global call to action, reminding that books remain powerful instruments of transformation. He pointed out that, according to UNESCO, creative writing is on the decline worldwide.

Speaking about OUOM, he said that it plays a vital role in expanding access to education, fostering innovation, and promoting knowledge creation. The institution remains committed to democratising education through distance learning and digital platforms, enabling wider reach beyond traditional boundaries while supporting research and academic development, he highlighted.

Mr Baichoo reiterated OUOM’s commitment to promoting reading and writing, respecting intellectual property, and contributing to the development of a knowledge-driven Mauritius.

On the same occasion, Minister Sukon launched the ScienceDirect LeapSpace platform. This research-grade artificial intelligence tool, built exclusively on peer-reviewed and verified scholarly content, is expected to boost research productivity, accelerate literature reviews, enhance the quality of student projects, and strengthen the international competitiveness of OUOM’s research output.

The ceremony also featured a prize-giving segment, where students who participated in quiz competitions, organised in the context of World Book and Copyright Day 2026, were rewarded for their achievements.

24 April 2026

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Topics: Education