Vandemataram Theme at Agartala Book Fair 2026 Highlights Patriotism
Agartala Jan 2: With a strong message of cultural pride and national identity.
the 13-day literary festival – 44th Agartala Book Fair – commenced at the Hapania International Fair Ground on Wednesday (Jan 2)
Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha inaugurated the event and announced “Vandemataram” as this year’s theme.
The inauguration witnessed the presence of public representatives, senior officials, writers, scholars, and cultural personalities, reinforcing the fair’s status as a major literary and cultural event in Tripura.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the theme reflects the spirit of patriotism and cultural consciousness embedded in India’s literary and intellectual heritage.
Live: Inauguration of 44th Agartala Book Fair. https://t.co/uQJYqRGxYQ
— Prof.(Dr.) Manik Saha (@DrManikSaha2) January 2, 2026
He stated that books play a crucial role in preserving values, history, and collective memory.
Dr. Saha highlighted the long-standing reputation of the Agartala Book Fair, noting that it has earned recognition not only across India but also internationally.
Dr. Saha pointed out that the Agartala Book Fair has grown into a nationally and internationally recognised event.
While participation from Bangladesh has reduced due to prevailing circumstances, he said the fair continues to attract readers, publishers, and literary enthusiasts from across the region.
“We expect book sales this year to exceed last year’s figures”, Dr Saha asserted. .
CM Calls for Daily Reading Habit
Emphasising the role of reading in shaping an informed and successful society, the Chief Minister urged people, especially students, to cultivate a daily reading habit, saying that there are no shortcuts to achievement in life.
Books remain the strongest medium for expanding knowledge, strengthening language skills, and sharpening intellectual abilities. He stressed that reading must go beyond school textbooks to nurture creativity and awareness.
Books guide to move from darkness to light
Dr Saha described books as instruments that guide people from darkness to light. The Chief Minister said reading helps individuals discover truth and build a strong moral foundation.
He underlined that literature remains central to shaping responsible citizens and strengthening national unity.
Encouraging children to read regularly, the Chief Minister remarked that the human brain itself is a powerful library and must be continuously enriched through books.
He also appealed to people to practice writing, adding that regular writing can eventually take the shape of a book.
Highlighting the importance of reviving old traditions, Dr. Saha noted that gifting books during official and social programmes was once common but has gradually disappeared.
He called for restoring this practice in a modern way, stating that books remain lifelong companions that never mislead readers.
The Chief Minister reiterated that books continue to play a vital role in intellectual growth, describing them as a bridge between physical existence and mental development. He added that reading not only enhances knowledge but also helps people move from ignorance to understanding.
Boost in Footfall, Sales Expected
With a focus on increasing public participation and book sales, the state government has adjusted the dates and timings of the 44th Agartala Book Fair, keeping in mind students’ academic schedules, the Chief Minister said.
The choice of the Hapania International Fair Ground as the venue was made after considering all logistical and accessibility aspects, he added.
Notably, free bus services to the book fair ground are available like previous years.