Guv opens 8-day book fair in city

SHILLONG, JUNE 8: Meghalaya governor V Shanmuganathan inaugurated the ‘Shillong Book Fair’ even as he emphasized on the importance of books and reading, which gives insight, knowledge and direction in life.

Organized by the National Book Trust, India, in collaboration with the Directorate of Arts and Culture, the district administration and St Edmund’s College, the eight-day Shillong Book Fair kick started at the State Central Library, on Monday.

Addressing the gathering, Shanmuganathan said, “Reading of books gives you a direction in life and also perspective about life.”

Lauding the efforts put in by the National Book Trust, India in organizing book fairs across the length and breadth of the country, the Governor said, “Promotion of book and habit of reading is the purpose of this book exhibition.”

While lauding the the Arts and Culture department and St Edmund’s College, he also suggested to the organizers to organize such book fairs in Shillong more often rather than sporadically.

Asserting that books are interesting, he said, “Many people which we may not have seen them, but when you start reading about the biographies, you come to understand many good things and great things.”

Sharing his experience of learning by referring to the biographies of Swami Vivekananda and Mahatma Gandhi, he said, “The incidents in the biographies of these great people taught us that ‘truth triumph’ and ‘strength is elite, weakness is death, be bold and courageous’.”

Shanmuganathan further urged the students to take a biography of anyone and start reading.

Earlier, while narrating the incidents in the two biographies, the Governor decided not to name the two great personalities and instead asked the students, whoever knows to come and meet him personally.

The students who come up with the right answer were presented books by the Governor.

Meanwhile, the Governor was delighted at the traditional attires wore by the students of Arts and Culture and their songs (Khasi, Jaintia and Garo songs) performed during the function, upon which they were asked to described their dresses and ornaments.

After the interaction, the Governor presented all of them with books and flower bouquets.

More than 40 publishers/booksellers from all over India are participating in the book fair, offering books for all age groups, on a wide range of subjects in English, Hindi, Khasi and other Indian languages.

Besides, the book fair will also showcase a range of cultural events and literary programmes for promotion of reading habit, which will include seminars, panel discussions, poetry reading and others.

Earlier, the introductory speech was delivered by Chairman of NBT, India B Sharma while NBT Assistant Director Exhibition Kanchan Wanchoo Sharma proposed the vote of thanks.

Also present on the occasion were Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District Sanjay Goyal, Director of Arts and Culture Matsiewdor W Nongbri and Principal of St Edmund’s College Dr Sylvanus Lamare.- By Our Reporter