Develop reading habit call echoes as Imphal Book Fair starts
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 10 2020: The 28th Imphal Book Fair, 2019, kick-started at Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) ground Kwakeithel today, with active participation from a total of 46 book firms (31 local and 15 from outside Manipur).

The 10 days fair is being organised by the State Central Library, Imphal and the Department of Art & Culture, Manipur, in collaboration with Raja Rammohun Roy Foundation, Kolkata.

CAF & PD and Revenue Minister Karam Shyam, Art & Culture Minister L Jayantakumar Singh and Art & Culture Commissioner M Joy Singh released the souvenir of the book fair edited by Saratchand Thiyam at the inaugural event today.

Develop reading habit call echoes as Imphal Book Fair starts

Speaking as the chief guest, Karam Shyam said that Manipur is still lagging behind as far as importance and value given towards library, is concerned.

There is a need to increase the interest of public towards reading books and it is also important to try and cultivate an interest for reading so as to bring development in Manipur, the Minister opined.

Drawing the attention of L Jayantakumar on the enforcement of the Manipur Public Libraries Act, 1988 and its implementation, Karam Shyam stated that the Government needs to try and improve various entities under the Art & Culture Department by allocating adequate budget.

Karam Shyam also appealed the public to help in promoting book firms from outside the State which are taking part in the fair.

He also stressed on the importance of inculcating eagerness for reading in the minds of the youth who have been affected by drugs and other anti-social elements.

On the other hand, Jayantakumar stressed on the important role played by library in providing the latest and the best information to the people.

Highlighting the hindrances surrounding the Manipur Public Libraries Act, 1988, the Minister said that framing Acts and rules is easy, but the actual implementation is a hard task.

The main purpose of maintaining a library is to create a conductive atmosphere so that people develop a keen desire to read books, he added.

Jayantakumar further mentioned that the Art & Culture Department is facing financial constraints and there is need for some additional funds to develop the different entities within its jurisdiction.

He also called upon the people for participation and raising their voices in order to preserve the identity and culture of the State.

Speaking at the event, M Joy Singh mentioned that all should take part in the library movement by scanning the materials in the book fair, even if one decides not to buy them.

Art & Culture Director A Shivadas Sharma, Chief Librarian, State Central Library, L Momota Devi, other officials of Art & Culture Department and State Central Library, intellectuals and book-lovers were also present at the function.

The Book Fair will conclude on January 19 .