Imphal Book Fair draws to a close
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 19 2020:
The 28th Imphal Book Fair, 2019 which began from January 10 at Tiddim Ground, concluded today with the distribution of prizes to the winners of various competitions which were held during the 10 days long fair.
Art & Culture Commissioner M Joy Singh and Manipur Library Association (MALA) president K Chaoba Singh graced the closing ceremony as the chief guest and president respectively.
Speaking at the event, Joy stressed on the importance of library in a society and said that libraries should have all sorts of materials and books which will provide the best and latest information to the people.
With the ever increasing value of library, many new aspects concerning library like Library Information Science (LIS) and digitization of libraries, have sprung up, he said, adding that the role of a librarian, like making catalogues for detailing the kind of books that are available in a library, is vital.
Hence, it is of utmost importance for the State Central Library to collect books and materials and make them available to the public, he added.
Joy also opined that the value fox publishing books will be enhanced when there is a close link between writers, publishers, readers and the library.
Citing Karl Marx's quote that a reading Nation will always be a leading Nation, Joy maintained that books and education are part and parcel of a thriving society.
Exuding confidence that reading books will increase the conscience and competency of the society, the Commissioner maintained that a society will prosper by leaps and bounds when the people develop reading habit as a culture.
Further pointing out that the present trend of education in the State gives undue importance to the culture of sending children to coaching and tuitions, Joy observed that this form of education makes school children deprived of the need to seek knowledge themselves by reading books.
This practice of imparting education is like spoon feeding knowledge to the children, the Commissioner added.
Prizes for several competitions, including spot painting competition were also distributed to the winners during the closing ceremony.
It may be mentioned that a total of 46 book firms (including 19 from outside the State) participated in the book fair.