Chief Minister Prof. Dr Manik Saha on Sunday emphasized that books are one of the primary means of acquiring knowledge. He said, books play a key role in preserving culture and traditions.

"Books are source of our knowledge, and it is through books that our culture and traditions are sustained" the Chief Minister said at an event in Agartala.

He also said, Books are the source of intelligence and thought, and the booksellers and publishers bear a significant responsibility in guiding children in the right direction.

He was addressing the 41st Annual General Meeting of the All Tripura Book Sellers and Publishers Association, held at the auditorium of Maharani Tulsibati Girls' XII School.

During his speech, Dr Saha acknowledged various demands raised during the meeting, assuring that steps would be taken following discussions.

“We have formed the government because of the majority elected as your representative. Thus, it is our responsibility to address your concerns. Your profession holds great importance. From childhood, we have experienced the joy of visiting bookstores after exam results—a feeling unlike any other. Books expand the boundaries of human consciousness. You are engaged in a noble profession, and we will strive to address your challenges to the best of our ability,” he added.

Dr Saha noted that while textbooks are essential, there are countless other books beyond them that have no limits.

"Many people, including the younger generation, remain passionate about reading books. The unique experience of reading a book cannot be replicated elsewhere. In the age of the internet, everything is now at our fingertips, but books continue to captivate us in a way that digital platforms cannot. The habit of reading book can't be matched by mobile devices or the internet," he said.

Minister of Social Welfare and Social Education Tinku Roy, along with officials from the Book Sellers and Publishers Association, attended the meeting.

During the event, the organizing body contributed Rs. 50,000 for the flood victims and the Chief Minister lauded the initiative.