Agartala, Jan 02, 2025, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

Agartala, Jan 02: Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha today urged the people to develop a habit of reading books, emphasizing that books expand the boundaries of consciousness.

“Books expand the boundaries of consciousness. The self-satisfaction that comes from the smell of a new book cannot be found anywhere else. Therefore, the next generation must be encouraged to read books. For this, parents must take more responsibility,” he said.

Dr. Saha made these remarks while inaugurating the 43rd Agartala Book Fair at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Mancha in the International Fair Ground, Hapania, this evening.

While inaugurating the fair, the Chief Minister noted that the people of the state eagerly anticipate the book fair every year.

“Considering the exams of the students, it has been decided to bring the book fair forward this year. Earlier, it was a tradition to gift books on various occasions. This practice should be revived. We all have to make reading books a habit. The book fair is a festival of intellect and contemplation. Books are the foundation of acquiring knowledge,” he said.

Dr. Saha highlighted that book fairs are organized annually under the patronage of the government. The 13-day-long 43rd Agartala Book Fair will continue until January 14.

The Chief Minister mentioned that free bus services have been arranged so everyone can attend the book fair.

“The number of books sold at the Agartala Book Fair is increasing every year. The number of publishers, sellers, and stalls is also rising. This shows that the Agartala Book Fair is growing day by day. That is why we take pride in the Agartala Book Fair. This year, arrangements have also been made for the release of new books, discussion meetings, quizzes, poet conferences, and more,” he added.

During the inauguration, the Chief Minister formally launched the book fair souvenir and the theme collection of Bengali and Kokborok, which reflect the main theme of the book fair.

Meanwhile, as part of the fair, the National Health Mission Tripura has set up a Ni-Kshay camp to identify and treat tuberculosis (TB). Chief Minister Saha formally inaugurated the camp and released the November edition of the health newsletter.

He also presented certificates to four Ni-Kshay Mitras. Member secretary of the NHM and State TB Officer Dr Nupur Debbarma said, there are total 1800 Ni-Kshay Mitras at present. Dr Debbarma pointed out that Governor Indrasena Reddy Nallu and Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha are also Ni-Kshay Mitras.

The camp offers diagnostic services to detect TB bacteria and provides regular medical consultations under the supervision of qualified doctors. A Ni-Kshay vehicle equipped with a CB-NAAT machine is also available for on-site TB testing.