Shillong ( Meghalaya), Sept 27: The Shillong Book Fair 2023 was inaugurated by Paul Lyngdoh, Arts and Culture Minister, Meghalaya and Rakkam A. Sangma, Education Minister, Meghalaya at the U Soso Tham Auditorium here, today on 27 September 2023.
National Book Trust, India is organizing the Shillong Book Fair from 27 September – 03 October 2023 at the State Central Library, Secretariat Hills, Shillong in collaboration with the Department of Arts & Culture and Department of Education, Govt. of Meghalaya.
Speaking at the inaugural event, Paul Lyngdoh, Guest of Honour said, “Books are an integral part of our culture. They weave magic and words stay with us eternally.” He added that whatever you learn from books only enhances in value with time.” He was hopeful that NBT-India will organise many more book-related events in Meghalaya in future.
Rakkam A. Sangma, Education Minister said that ideas through books will remain forever and hence we should have more books on Indian culture to preserve our traditions and culture for our future generation.
In his welcome address, Prof. Milind Sudhakar Marathe, Chairman, National Book Trust, India thanked the Govt. of Meghalaya for support in organising the book fair and hoped that many people and children will benefit from the book fair. He added “Through books we enhance our knowledge and personality; books sharpen our wisdom, comprehension and communication skills.”
Sharing his views with the audience, Frederick Roy Kharkongor IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, Dept. of Arts & Culture, Meghalaya said “If you are a reader today, you will surely be a leader tomorrow, as books are magic between covers”. Prof. Prabha Shankar Shukla, Vice Chancellor, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong was of the view that Books are teachers playing important roles in our lives?
In his concluding remarks, Yuvraj Malik, Director, National Book Trust, India said that the Shillong Book Fair is the fair of the people of Meghalaya and they should make the most of it. Addressing the young students in the audience, he added, “One book can change your life, are you willing to look for that book in this book fair”.
The week-long Shillong Book Fair is a tribute to Meghalaya’s rich literary and cultural heritage. The fair will showcase a diverse collection of books by some of the best publishers of the country, including the works of local authors and regional literature spanning various genres. Book lovers will have the opportunity to explore books that mirror the vibrant cultural fabric of Meghalaya and the North-East as well as attend engaging sessions, book launches, and discussions providing a platform for readers to interact with their literary idols will be organised throughout the fair. To kindle the flames of imagination, interactive storytelling sessions and creative workshops will also be conducted for children to nurture the next generation of readers and wordsmiths.
In addition to literary treasures, Shillong Book Fair will also host cultural performances, creating an ambiance of vibrancy and cultural richness. Aspiring to cultivate a culture of reading and learning, the Shillong Book Fair is being organised from 27 September to 03 October 2023, 11 am to 7 pm. Entry is free for all! And 10% discount on the purchase of books as well!
