By Firstdespatch Desk Mar 25, 2023
Agartala, Mar 24 (FD) Tripura Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha has inaugurated the 41st Agartala Book fair at the Hapania International Fair Ground on Friday.
The 13-day Book Fair's theme is "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, Agartala Boi Mela."
Addressing the programme, the Chief Minister said, "There is no alternative of books when it comes to the growth of mind and consciousness.”
“The Rabindra Bhawan grounds hosted the first Book Fair in Agartala in 1981,” Dr. Saha said adding, the Book Fair has grown in size and popularity over the years to the point where it is currently held in the International Fairground.
The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of reading books, and said, "If one does not read books, he will feel the absence of well-thought consciousness."
The pupils were advised by Dr. Saha to purchase books, not just textbooks but also books on a variety of other themes and subjects.
He expressed his wish that the Book Fair will continue to grow in popularity while keeping its established traditions.
Speaking at the event, Tourism Minister Sushanta Chowdhury asserted that despite a decline in demand for books, the value of books continues to shine.
Chowdhury said the sharing of knowledge and experience among authors, publishers, and consumers is a key component of the Book Fair. He added that Bangladeshi publishers and authors attend every Book Fair since the populations of Tripura and Bangladesh are mutually supportive of one another.
Bangladeshi MP Pran Gopal Datta and the MLAs Ram Prasad Pal and Mina Rani Sarkar also spoke on the occasion.
According to reports, 176 book stalls—including 15 from Bangladesh and 79 from other regions of the nation—are exhibiting at the book fair this year. FD PD