Imphal Book Fair leaves many unanswered posers
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 24 2011:
The 20th Imphal Book Fair 2011 being organised jointly by State Central Library, National Book Trust, New Delhi and Raja Rammohan Roy Foundation, Kolkata was opened today at Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound.
The inaugural function of the 9-day book fair was graced by Agriculture Minister Ph Parijat as chief guest, Padmasree awardee RK Jhaljit as president, National Book Trust coordinator Dipankar Gupta and Art and Culture Commissioner RK Nimai as guests of honour.
Even though the State Central Library has been taking major responsibility in organising the book fair, it was difficult to elicit information about the fair as the organisers passed on the responsibility amongst themselves.
Even as an enquiry office has been opened inside the fair complex to cater to those seeking information about the fair, no official present there could give any detailed information.
|
They told the people to collect all information from the Chief Librarian of the State Central Library.
When people approached Chief Librarian S Tampakleima, she asked the people to make enquiries from officials of the National Book Trust.
She was not even aware of the number of book firms based outside the State taking part in the fair as well as the number of firms which have arrived here.
Nevertheless, it was speculated that around 105 book stalls including 31 stalls belonging to local book firms would be opened at the fair.
Dipankar Gupta said that the fair would improve to the desired level in the coming days though the opening day did not go off to the satisfactory level.
He conceded that this year's Imphal Book Fair has turned out to be most expensive and most ill-organised among all the book fairs organised by the National Book Trust.
Notwithstanding the high cost, the National Book Trust has been organising the fair taking it as a challenge.
It is said that symposium, quiz and spot painting competitions for children would be held on different dates during the fair.