City gears up for 42nd Agartala Book Fair, inauguration on Feb 21
Agartala is abuzz with anticipation as it prepares to host the 42nd edition of its esteemed ‘Agartala Book Fair’, a vibrant celebration of literature and thought, commencing on February 21, coinciding with International Mother Language Day.
The Agartala Book Fair will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister, Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha, at the International Fair Ground in Hapania. This year, the theme for the Book Fair will be ‘Bhavya Bharat’.
The inaugural ceremony, scheduled to commence at 5 pm on the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Manch, will witness the presence of several dignitaries. Among them are Speaker Kalyani Saha Roy, Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation Deepak Majumder, Secretary of Information and Culture Department Dr. PK Chakraborty, and Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh High Commission in Agartala, Arif Mohammad.
Adding an international flavor to the event, renowned writer and researcher Subhash Singh Roy from neighboring Bangladesh has been extended a special invitation. The ceremony will be chaired by MLA Minarani Sarkar.
Spanning over 14 days, the Agartala Book Fair promises a rich tapestry of cultural programs, poetry sessions, panel discussions, quizzes, impromptu speeches, and the unveiling of new books. The fair will open its doors to book enthusiasts from 2:30 pm every day, with an early start at 1 pm on Sundays.
Preparations are in full swing, with stalls being allotted to participating publishers and sellers. The fairground is being adorned with decorative gates and lights, creating an inviting ambiance for visitors. In a bid to ensure easy accessibility for book lovers, the government has arranged for free transportation to the fairground.
This year’s Agartala Book Fair is set to be a memorable event, fostering a love for literature and promoting intellectual discourse at a time when younger generation is busy with mobile phones.