27th Imphal Book Fair opens
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR
Imphal, December 15 2018:
Deputy Chief Minister Yumnam Joykumar has said that mass awareness campaign is essential to inculcate a habit of reading in today's society as it will enable and motivate the young minds towards bringing peace and development in the State.
He was speaking at the inaugural function of the 27th Imphal Book Fair 2018 held at Thangmeiband Athletic Union (THAU) Ground today.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that human resource, being the most valuable resource, should be developed to the top level so that every section of the society can enjoy the benefit of knowledge.
He added that in order to enjoy the benefit, a person's level of education should be improved at the topmost level, by reading a variety of books.
Stating that the habit of reading is a good companion for a person, Joykumar motivated all, irrespective of their age, to invest in reading different types of books to increase their level of knowledge and understanding.
By reading books on ancient culture, literature or science etc, one can analyse the old ways of living, communication and its reflection on today's society apart from gathering valuable knowledge, he noted.
Joykumar said that social awareness campaigns on importance of reading books should be held regularly to attract many readers and increase the number of readers in the State.
He said that organising book fair not only provides an opportunity to explore new and exciting books at concessional rates, but also gives a chance to meet writers, publishers and book lovers.
Such fair will definitely help in catering all possible help to book lovers and the masses, he added.
Revenue Minister Karam Shyam, while speaking at the inaugural function, strongly advocated the need to implement Manipur Library Act at the earliest in order to strengthen the movement of library in the State.
He also underlined the need to open a separate Directorate for this purpose.
He further urged the masses, specially the younger generation, to introspect on how to revive the habit of reading books.
Shyam expressed confidence that organising such book fair will help strengthen the movement and inspire the young minds to quest for knowledge.
Commissioner of Art & Culture, M Lakshmikumar, also spoke on the importance of habit of reading books among masses.
Altogether 150 stalls are set up for the fair, out of which 48 stalls are opened by different stake holders from the State, while 28 stalls are from outside Manipur.
Book lovers will get certain discount while buying books from the fair.
The ten days fair is being organised by the State Central Library, Department of Art Culture in collaboration with Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata.
The book fair is held every year in the State since 1991 at various places including Hapta Kangjeibung and DM College of Commerce.