Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 24 2010:
The 10-day long 19th Imphal Book Fair, 2010, which kicked off from December 15 at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound concluded today along with the Best Book Production Award, 2010 going to Manipuri Sanskritida Pena written by Makhonmani Mongsaba.
The award carries a cash reward of Rs 1000 and a citation.
The book fair was organised jointly by State Central Library; Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur and Raja Ram Mohan Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata.
According to the report given by the organising committee, in all 32 book firms including 11 from outside the State participated in the book fair this year.
The participation of outside book firms this year was low on account of another book fair held at Guwahati from December 10 to 22.But the sale of books this time was better than last year.
Speaking as chief guest of the valedictory function, Padmashree RK Jhalajit Singh observed that we need to advantage of such book fairs to increase of our knowledge.
Pointing out some of the pressing issues confronting the State today, Jhalajit said that for our students to compete with others, there is the need for ensuring a conducive atmosphere for study in Manipur.
Students would also require regular power supply to study regularly, he added.
Director of Art and Culture Dr Sobita Devi, who presided over the function, assured that the book fair would be organised in a better way from next year along with providing good infrastructures.
Discussion would also be taken up with heads of other Departments for opening up of more stalls.
Apart from presenting Best Book Production Award, 2010 to Manipuri Sanskritida Pena of Makhonmani Mongsaba, prizes of the spot painting competition organised as part of the book fair were distributed among the winners at the occasion.