Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday compared the Agartala Book Fair to a Maha Kumbh of knowledge seekers, asserting that books are humanity’s truest friends who never betray readers and play a decisive role in shaping thoughts, values, and consciousness.
Inaugurating the 44th Agartala Book Fair at the Hapania International Fair Ground, Saha said the annual event has evolved into a major confluence of writers, readers, and cultural personalities, gaining recognition beyond the state.
Emphasising that the power of the pen is greater than that of the sword, he said there is no shortcut to learning and regular reading is essential for refining one’s personality and broadening intellectual horizons.
The Chief Minister said there is no subject on which books cannot be written and that cultivating a reading habit contributes to overall intellectual development.
Referring to students, he said the schedule of the fair was adjusted this year keeping examinations in mind, which would benefit the student community.
He also recalled the earlier tradition of gifting books on social occasions and expressed hope that reviving the practice would support authors and publishers.
Saha said organising the fair at Hapania offers several advantages, as the venue is located beside a national highway and close to a railway station, ensuring easy accessibility. The international fair ground, he added, has adequate infrastructure, significantly reducing organisational costs.
Noting that Tripura is perhaps the only state where the government directly patronises the book fair, he said various awards presented during the event would inspire the younger generation.
Assembly Deputy Speaker Ramprasad Pal said books guide people from darkness to light and enrich human intellect. Presiding over the programme, MLA Minarani Sarkar said the number of book lovers visiting the fair has been increasing every year and urged students to develop a closer bond with books.
Information and Cultural Affairs Secretary P. K. Chakraborty said book sales at the fair have been rising steadily, amounting to Rs 1.47 crore in 2024 and Rs 1.53 crore last year, with 183 stalls set up at this year’s edition.
Several dignitaries attended the inaugural ceremony, during which the Chief Minister also released books, unveiled publications, and inaugurated a photography exhibition and a health awareness stall.
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