BY TC News Desk
Agartala, December 30: The state of Tripura is gearing up for the 42nd edition of the Agartala Book Fair, which is one of the most popular literary events in the state. The book fair will showcase a variety of books from different genres, languages, and publishers, as well as provide a platform for authors, readers, and cultural enthusiasts to interact and exchange ideas.
In order to plan and organize the book fair, a preparatory meeting was convened at Rabindra Shatabarshiki Bhavan here on Saturday. The meeting was chaired by the Chief Minister of Tripura, Prof. Dr. Manik Saha, who is also the patron of the book fair. The meeting was attended by various stakeholders, including representatives from the publishing industry, the media, the academia, the administration, and the diplomatic corps.
The meeting finalized the schedule and the venue of the book fair, which will be held from February 21 to March 5 next year. The book fair will be inaugurated by a prominent literary figure, and will feature a series of cultural programs, such as dance and music performances, on the stage. The meeting also discussed the arrangements for the transportation, accommodation, security, and publicity of the book fair, as well as the measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the visitors and the participants.
The Chief Minister expressed his satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting, and said that the book fair is not only a commercial event, but also a cultural festival that celebrates the diversity and richness of literature. He said that the book fair is an opportunity for the people of Tripura to learn from the experiences and perspectives of the writers and publishers from different parts of the country and the world. He also said that the book fair is a platform for the local writers to showcase their talents and reach out to a wider audience.
The Chief Minister, however, cautioned that the book fair is not without its challenges and problems. He said that there may be differences of opinion and expectations among the various stakeholders, and that it is not possible to satisfy everyone’s demands and preferences. He said that the book fair is a collective effort, and that everyone should work together to make it a success. He also said that the book fair should not be marred by any unwanted incidents or controversies, and that everyone should respect the law and order and the cultural sensibilities of the host state.
The Chief Minister also suggested some innovative ideas to make the book fair more interesting and interactive. He proposed that instead of having only musical programs on the stage, there should be some sessions where the writers and publishers can have informal conversations with the audience, like in a coffee house. He said that this would help to generate new insights and discussions on various literary topics. He also advised that the sound level of the stage programs should be kept low, so as not to disturb the visitors who are browsing the books. He also requested the State Pollution Control Board to monitor the noise and air pollution levels during the book fair.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the importance of promoting the book fair through various media channels, and said that he would personally endorse the event. He said that the book fair is a great opportunity for the people of Tripura to enhance their knowledge and awareness, and to develop a habit of reading. He also urged the people to support and appreciate the local writers, who are the pride and identity of the state.
The preparatory meeting was also graced by the Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation, Dipak Majumder, the Secretary of ICA department, Dr Pradip Kumar Chakraborty, the Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Arif Mohammad, the Editor of Syandan Newspaper and Syandan TV, Subal Kumar Dey, the former Vice Chancellor of Tripura Central University, Prof. Arunoday Saha, and the officials of various departments of the state government. They all expressed their support and cooperation for the successful conduct of the book fair.
