26th Imphal Book Fair draws to a close
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 24 2017: A large number of people turned up on the last day of the 26th Imphal Book Fair, 2017, which concluded today at DM College of Commerce Ground, Imphal .

The book fair, organised by State Central Library, Department of Art and Culture, Manipur in collaboration with Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata, began on December 14 as a part of the 125th birth anniversary of Kabi Hijam Angahal Singh .

Altogether 125 stalls from 62 publication houses, including many from outside the State, were opened in the book fair.

Many of the stalls offered upto 15% discount on the books during the fair .

Speaking to The Sangai Express, a visitor identified as Sanasam Memthoi expressed contentment on the book fair and remarked that many hard to find books can be purchased from the book stalls present in the fair .

She further claimed that even some books from Manipuri authors which she did not have any knowledge of , were found in the stalls .

Memthoi also expressed desire to invite more number of book firms/ houses from other States in future editions of the book fair .

Many of the book sellers expressed joy at seeing many genuine book lovers coming and buying books from their stalls .

However, they claimed that they cannot meet their initial expectations as many of the visitors at the book fair just browse through the books but went without buying any .

Some book sellers from outside the State assured that they will try to bring more number of books, branching various topics, in the future .

The closing function was graced by K Radhakumar Singh, Commissioner, PWD, Revenue and IPR, Manipur, Ph Ibocha Sharma, Principal, DM College of Commerce, Imphal and Dr K Sushila, Director Art and Culture, Manipur as the chief guest, guest of honor and president respectively .

Speaking at the function, Radhakumar stressed on the need for strengthening the library movement in the State and the need to inculcate reading habits among the people, particularly the young boys and girls .

He lamented that many parents and guardian are engaging in the mad race of tuition culture and opined that such unhealthy competitions provide meager room for developing reading habits in the young minds .

He underscored the need to create an atmosphere so as to make children aware of the social issues and opined that reading books will encourage children to explore various issues pertaining to society, themselves, apart from gaining knowledge in various fields/subjects .

He added that students will also excel in their studies and lives if they are imparted with the appropriate and right system of learning.

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