Agartala: Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Friday inaugurated the 44th Agartala Book Fair at the Hapania International Fair Ground.
The chief minister said the annual event has evolved into a meeting ground for authors, readers, and creative minds.
Stressing the enduring power of the pen over the sword, CM Saha noted that learning demands patience and that consistent reading plays a vital role in refining personality and widening intellectual horizons. He said, “A strong reading habit fosters critical thinking and creativity.”
The chief minister said that over the past 44 years, the Agartala Book Fair has earned a good reputation worldwide.
Referring to students, he said the fair’s schedule was adjusted this year to accommodate examinations, a move aimed at benefiting the student community. He also recalled the earlier tradition of gifting books on social occasions and expressed hope that reviving the practice would help support authors and publishers.
In view of the unrest following political developments in Bangladesh, no booksellers or publishers from the neighbouring country have participated in the Agartala Book Fair for the second consecutive year.
Organised by the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department, the Book Fair will continue until January 14.
ICA Department’s Director Bimbisar Bhattacharya said that as the country is observing the 150th anniversary of the national song, the theme of this year’s Book Fair is “Vande Mataram”.
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ICA Secretary P. K. Chakraborty said book sales at the fair have been rising steadily, amounting to Rs 1.47 crore in 2023 and Rs 1.53 crore in 2024, with 183 stalls set up at this year’s edition.
