A Celebration of Literature and Culture
The 43rd Agartala Book Fair is set to commence on January 2 at the Hapania International Fair Ground, marking a grand celebration of literature and cultural diversity. This 13-day event, which concludes on January 14, promises to be a vibrant festival of ideas, creativity, and artistic expression. The inauguration ceremony, scheduled for 5 pm, will be officiated by Chief Minister Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha, underscoring the significance of the event for Tripura.
A Star-Studded Inauguration
The opening ceremony will witness the presence of a host of dignitaries. Commerce and Industry Minister Santana Chakma, Deputy Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly Ramprasad Paul, Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Deepak Majumdar, and the president of West Tripura Zilla Parishad Balai Goswami will attend the occasion.
Besides, Dr. P.K. Chakraborty, Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, and Subrata Chakraborty, Vice Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee, will attend as special guests. Eminent Kolkata-based author Jaydeep Chattopadhyay will be the guest of honor, sharing insights and inspiration, while MLA Minarani Sarkar will preside over the proceedings.
Series of Events in 43rd Agartala Book Fair
True to its tradition, the Agartala Book Fair will offer a diverse array of activities.
The events aim at engaging visitors of all ages and interests. Daily highlights include book launches, poetry readings, thought-provoking discussion forums, quizzes, and a variety of cultural performances.
Artists from across Tripura will showcase their talents, alongside notable performers from outside the state, enriching the event’s cultural palette.
The fair shall remain open for public from 2:30 pm to 9:00 pm on weekdays and extending until 9:30 pm on holidays, starting earlier at 2:00 pm.
| Previous Report : Tripura CM opens 42nd Agartala Book Fair, urges to gift books to promote reading |
Enhancing Accessibility
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, the organizers have arranged complimentary bus services connecting various parts of Agartala to the Hapania International Fair Ground. This initiative ensures that book lovers from all corners of the city can partake in the festivities without hindrance. The Information and Cultural Affairs Department, the event’s primary organizer, has left no stone unturned in creating an inclusive and memorable experience for all attendees.
The Importance of Books in the Digital Era
Meantime, experts expressed concern over diminishing interest, particularly among the youth, on book reading. However, they stressed, in an era dominated by technology and the internet, the importance of books remains undiminished. Books are not merely vessels of knowledge but also gateways to imagination, empathy, and critical thinking. Unlike fleeting digital content, books offer a deeper, more immersive engagement with ideas and narratives, fostering intellectual growth and emotional connection.
Highlighting importance of book reading seasoned journalists also said physical books provide a tangible experience, free from the distractions of notifications and screen fatigue. They serve as timeless companions, offering solace, wisdom, and entertainment across generations.
As the 43rd Agartala Book Fair is set to open its doors, it serves as a reminder of the timeless allure of books and the collective joy of shared cultural experiences. The fair invites everyone to embark on a journey of discovery, creativity, and connection, celebrating the boundless possibilities that literature has to offer.
(Tripura, Northeast)
