39th Agartala Book Fair begins with Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura theme
Amidst enthusiasm and joy, the 39th Agartala Book Fair started at Hapania International Fair ground in Agartala on Friday. The 14-day long fair was inaugurated by Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb in presence of Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma, Revenue Minister NC Debbarma, Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath, Deputy High Commissioner of Bangladesh High Commission Md Jubayed Hussain and other dignitaries. Theme of this year’s Book fair is ‘Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura’.
In his inaugural speech, Biplab Kumar Deb said, Book fair helps to build a positive mentality that cast an influence on our society and ensures a positive approach for overall progress.
Pointing out importance of books in life, Deb said, “With the advent of the internet, e-books have gained popularity – however, the relevance of books remained unaffected. During Covid19 pandemic, the importance of physical books, once again, became evident. The State Government distributed books on Swami Vivekananda in Covidcare centers to bolster the mental strength of patients.
The Chief Minister said, Tripura is rich in literature and culture since ancient princely period – the long tradition became pronounced after Thanga Darlong, Benichandra Jamatia and Satyendra Reang were conferred Padma Shri awards.
Under the incumbent government, steps have been taken to preserve and conserve all the traditional heritage of the State. In this connection, State Government took initiatives of modernization of Birchandra State Central Library and district libraries etc.
Speaking on the occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma said, this year Book Fair ground will offer a platform for cultural fair also as cultural teams from the other Northeastern States would take part in cultural extravaganza.
He said, “Practice of creating literature was evident in Tripura for a long time. Over the period, this practice was enriched. This book fair would highlight the literary and cultural heritage and tradition”. Dev Varma urged people to buy books, read books, and encourage others to do the same. He also expressed optimism that the Book Fair would contribute in realizing the the Ek Tripura, Shrestha Tripura slogan.
In his speech, NC Debbarma said, Literature is a mirror of society. Literature is also medium of change of society. Nil Darpan drama inspired freedom fighters during the British regime.
Education Minister Ratan Lal Nath and Md Jubayed Hussain also spoke on the occasion.