Agartala, Mar 24, 2023, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

Agartala, Mar 24: Reading books is essential for the development of thoughts and consciousness - there is no alternative to books, said Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha in his inaugural speech at the 41st Agartala Book fair at the Hapania International Book Fair on Friday.

The theme of the 13-day-long Book Fair is ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Agartala Boi Mela’. In the inaugural programme, Dr Saha in presence of other dignitaries released theme songs (in Bengali and Kokbarok) of the Book Fair, unveiled a souvenir and the Book Fair issue of the ‘Gomati’ today.

“The Book Fair was first held in Agartala in 1981 at the premises of Rabindra Bhawan. Over the years, the Fair increased in size as well as gained popularity so much that Book Fair is now being held at the International Fairground”, Dr Saha said.

Stressing the need to read books, the Chief Minister said, “If one does not read books, he will feel the absence of well-thought consciousness”.

Travelling down memory lane, the Chief Minister said we would stand in long queues in front of the Birchandra State Library, every week, in his young age to read newly arrived books of different writers.

He lamented students are less interested in reading books in the present digital era.      

Dr Saha suggested the students to buy books – not just textbooks but books on various other topics and subjects.

He expressed his hope that the Book Fair, in the future, will become more attractive while maintaining its tradition.

Speaking on the occasion, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury said the importance of books is still shining even as demand for books has reduced. Explaining the essence of the Book Fair, Chowdhury said the exchange of knowledge and wisdom among the writers, publishers and readers is important. He also said publishers and writers from Bangladesh take part in every Book Fair because the people of Tripura and Bangladesh are each other complementary.

In a positive gesture, the Chief Minister suggested the Information and Cultural Affairs department organize Book Fair in Districts and sub-divisions as pointed out by Sushanta Chowdhury.

In his speech, Bangladesh MP Pran Gopal Datta said such a fair is essential for the advancement of the Bengali language.

MLAs Ram Prasad Pal and Mina Rani Sarkar also spoke on the occasion. Secretary of the ICA Dr P Chakraborty delivered the welcome address.

Later, Chief Minister and other dignitaries formally inaugurated and visited the Theme Pavillion of the Book Fair, Photo Exhibition Gallery and Bangladesh Pavilion etc.

There are total 176 stalls including 79 stalls for publishers and booksellers from other States and 15 stalls for Bangladesh’s publishers and booksellers. The Book fair will be concluded on April 5 next.