Agartala, January 2: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha inaugurated the 43rd Agartala Book Fair at the Hapania International Fair Ground on Thursday evening, marking the early commencement of the 13-day literary festival to accommodate students preparing for board examinations.
A total of 178 publications from across India, including 42 from outside the state, are participating in the fair.
Local publishers, representing diverse languages such as Bengali, Kokborok, Manipuri, and other indigenous tongues, see the event as a vital platform to showcase and sell their works.
This year’s edition, however, lacks participation from Bangladeshi publishers, attributed to the ongoing turbulent situation in the neighboring country.
Despite the growing popularity of e-books, the fair witnessed a steady influx of book enthusiasts, reaffirming the timeless charm of printed books.
The opening day also featured a vibrant cultural program, continuing a long-standing tradition that has attracted growing participation over the years.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Saha emphasized the importance of reading habits and advocated gifting books to inspire knowledge and curiosity.
He highlighted the role of literature in broadening perspectives and enriching lives.
Accompanied by Deputy Speaker Ramprashad Paul, Agartala Mayor Dipak Majumder, Minister Santana Chakma, and other dignitaries, Saha also inaugurated a photo exhibition and toured the book stalls, appreciating the variety of collections on display.
While chilly weather kept attendance relatively low on the first day, organizers expressed optimism about higher footfall in the coming days as the fair promises to cater to the literary tastes of visitors of all ages.
