Tripura Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Thursday urged the next generation to develop a habit of reading books, emphasizing that books expand the boundaries of consciousness.

“Books expand the boundaries of consciousness. The self-satisfaction that comes from the smell of a new book cannot be found anywhere else. Therefore, the next generation must be encouraged to read books. For this, parents must take more responsibility,” he said.

Dr Saha made these remarks while inaugurating the 43rd Agartala Book Fair at the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay Mancha in the Hapania International Fair Ground on Thursday evening.

While inaugurating the fair, the Chief Minister noted that the people of the state eagerly anticipate the book fair every year.

“Considering the exams of the students, it has been decided to bring the book fair forward this year. Earlier, it was a tradition to gift books on various occasions. This practice should be revived. We all have to make reading books a habit. The book fair is a festival of intellect and contemplation. Books are the foundation of acquiring knowledge,” he said.

Dr Saha highlighted that book fairs are organized annually under the patronage of the government. The 13-day-long 43rd Agartala Book Fair will continue until January 14.

The Chief Minister mentioned that free bus services have been arranged so everyone can attend the book fair.

“The number of books sold at the Agartala Book Fair is increasing every year. The number of publishers, sellers, and stalls is also rising. This shows that the Agartala Book Fair is growing day by day. That is why we take pride in the Agartala Book Fair. This year, arrangements have also been made for the release of new books, discussion meetings, quizzes, poet conferences, and more,” he added.

The Chief Minister urged everyone to read books and enhance their knowledge.

During the inauguration, the Chief Minister formally launched the book fair souvenir and the theme collection of Bengali and Kokborok, which reflect the main theme of the book fair.

In the inauguration programme, Industries and Commerce Minister Santana Chakma, deputy speaker of Tripura Assembly, Ramprasad Paul, Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC), Dipak Majumder and Sabhadipati of West Tripura Zilla Parishad, Balai Goswami along with Secretary of Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) department, Dr PK Chakraborty, director of the department Bimbisar Bhattacharjee and Vice-chairman of state’s Cultural Advisory Committee, Subrata Chakraborty. Renowned writer Joydip Chottapadhyay and MLA of Badharghat Assembly constituency, Minarani Sarkar were also present in the inaugural ceremony.

Bimbisar Bhattacharjee, Director of ICA through a PowerPoint presentation described the details of the fair and the steps being taken to make it a success. He said the sub-committees of the fair have taken steps for a more attractive 43rd Agartala book fair.

During the fair days, there will be book publication, poet conference, quiz and cultural programmes to be organized daily with participation of state’s artists along with some famous artists from other states of the country.

Like previous years, this year also free bus services will be provided for book lovers from different parts of Agartala city up to fair complex and fair will continue from 2.30 PM to 9 PM every day and on holidays it will continue up to 9.30 PM.