Agartala, Jan 14, 2025, TRIPURA TIMES Desk

Agartala, Jan 14: The 43rd edition of Agartala Book Fair concluded at Hapania international fair ground on Tuesday.

This year, the sale touched around Rs. 1.50 crore till Monday, according to government records.

The Book Fair came to an end with distribution of awards in various categories.

Finance minister Pranajit Singha Roy, who attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest, said the 43rd Agartala Book Fair saw huge enthusiasm for books among the people.

The importance of books remains unchanged even in this era of digital transformation, he noted.

The Finance minister also emphasized the unique role book fairs play in connecting people with intellectual and creative minds.

Prof. Arunoday Saha, former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura Central University, highlighted the irreplaceable value of book fairs, calling books an essential part of life.

Renowned author Naresh Chandra Debbarma noted the transformative impact of the Agartala Book Fair on the state's publishing industry and its significant role in fostering social harmony. Ajit Debbarma, secretary of the Tripura Publishers’ Guild, also echoed this sentiment.

Secretary of All Tripura Book Sellers and Publishers Association Uttam Chakraborty and secretary of Publishers and Book Sellers Association Rakhal Majumder also spoke on the occasion.

Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs department Dr. P.K. Chakraborty, in his welcome address said, the Agartala Book Fair saw participation of 180 stalls and a sale graph of around Rs. 1.50 crore this year.

Vice-chairman of State Level Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, Saha- Sabhadhipati of Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad Biswajit Shil, Deputy Mayor of AMC Manika Das Dutta and secretary of ICA department Bimbisar Bhattacharjee were also present.