Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 21:
The week-long 10th Imphal Book Fair concluded today at the State Central Library complex with the last day witnessing an overwhelming response.
However the sale of books was lower than last year's fair.
Altogether 32 book firms including 15 from outside the State participated in the fair which was jointly organized by the Raja Ram Mohon Roy Library, Calcutta and State Central Library.
A salesman of an outside firm who had taken part in six editions of fair expressed surprise at the last hour rush.
A student visitor expressed regret that she could not buy enough books as her parents have not received their salaries.
Most of the visitors wanted the extension of the fair by 2-3 days till all the Government employees receive their salaries.
A formal closing function was also held with Sahitya Academy awardee H Guno and Arts and Culture director P Achouba attending as chief guest and president.
A spot painting contest was also organized as part of the fair.
Linda Kongbam (Maria Montessori) Ksh Johnson of Pole Star Public School and S Satishchandra of Bal Krishna Vidyalaya took the top three positions in the class III-V category.
In the class VI-VIII category, P Sandhyarani of Nirmalabas HS, Th Sunita of RK Sanatombi Vidyalaya and K Mikel of Sagolmang HS topped.
A Manipuri novel titled "Ahing Mameigi Thabal" written by Dr H Bilashini was released by the chief guest.
The best stall decoration prize was jointly won by National Book Trust, Kolkota and Vani Mandir, Guwahati.