Sat Jan 03 18:07:38 UTC 2026: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:

Summary:

The 36th Vijayawada Book Festival saw improved attendance on its second day, although some stall owners voiced concerns about organizational issues. The festival, which opened with high-profile guests like a Supreme Court judge and the A.P. Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker, saw speakers emphasizing the importance of preserving mother tongues. A highlight of the day was Dalit litterateur Koyi Koteswara Rao’s launch of the book ‘Manusmriti lo Emundi,’ where he argued that Manusmriti’s ideology is the root of caste discrimination and contrary to the Indian Constitution.

News Article:

Vijayawada Book Festival Draws Crowds, Sparks Debate on Manusmriti

VIJAYAWADA, Andhra Pradesh – January 3, 2026 – The 36th Vijayawada Book Festival continued today with a surge in attendees, marking a successful second day despite some organizational complaints from stall owners. The festival, which kicked off yesterday with dignitaries including Supreme Court Justice Pamidighantam Narasimha and A.P. Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Raghu Ramakrishna Raju, featured discussions on preserving regional languages.

However, the day’s most notable event was the launch of the book ‘Manusmriti lo Emundi’ by Dalit litterateur Koyi Koteswara Rao. During the event, Koteswara Rao ignited a debate by asserting that the ideology contained within Manusmriti is the foundation of caste discrimination and fundamentally opposes the principles of the Indian Constitution. He argued that true patriotism lies in adhering to the Constitution.

While the book festival continues to celebrate literature and culture, Koteswara Rao’s remarks have added a layer of social commentary, sparking discussion amongst attendees and potentially setting the stage for further debate throughout the remainder of the event. The festival is scheduled to continue throughout the week at Vijayawada.

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