IMPHAL, December 15: The 21st Imphal Book Fair-2012 was inaugurated today at the Hapta Kangjeibung, Palace Compound.
The fair has been organized by the State Central Library, Imphal, Dept of Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur in collaboration with Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata.
23 firms from outer state and 21 local firms will showcase and sell their books during the fair which will continue till December 24.
A souvenir and 13 different books were also released by Padmashree RK Jhalajit Singh and Director of Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur Dr K Sobita Devi during the inaugural function.
Speaking as chief guest, RK Jhalajit Singh said the reason that human beings are mightier than fellow creatures is their sharpness of intelligence.
Reading books will develop us, he said.
“We should buy more and more books, and take the benefits of the book fair. We should have the habit of buying and reading books. Old aged persons can stay fit by keeping their brains active by reading various books”, he added.
Delivering her presidential speech Dr K Sobita Devi said book is our supreme treasure and so we should acquire its benefits from the book fair.
There is also a plan to purchase old and rare books for the book fair next year, she said.