IMPHAL, December 12: The third day of the 22nd Book Fair in progress at Hafta Kangjeibung featured a poem recital session participated by both seasoned and young poets from Manipur. Among the experienced poets were Sahitya Akademi Award winner Yumlembam Ibomcha Singh, Saratchand Thiyam, Birendrajit Naorem, RK Bhubansana, Chongtham Subadani, Satyabati Ningombam, Joneshwar Konsam, Dr K Santibala, Rajen Khumukcham and Yaima Haoba.
Their young brigade was represented by Kshetri Rajen, N Roma Devi, Thoudam Netrajit, Okendra Khundongbam, OC Meira, Lelin Khumancha, Ch Deepu, Yendibala Akhom, Sanajaoba Narengbam and Imojit Ningomba.
The session was conducted by Raghu Leishanghem as the coordinator. The major highlight tomorrow will be a symposium which will be organised by the art and culture department.
Meanwhile, the inflow of visitors has seen a gradual rise on the third day although compared to the previous years their average figure had slipped. According to the chief librarian of State Central Library, E Latakishore stated that the attendance have picked up after the initial disappointment. He added that this year the quality of stalls had been improved and the publishers are offering a minimum discount of 10 percent on their books. He made a special plea against calling bandhs or blockades during the fair.
On the other hand, the proprietor of Edu Care Book Store has claimed that the numbers of visitors and buyers have lessened this year and cited the inability of the organizers to create mass awareness as the possible reason. On the other hand, Hari Kumar of a Delhi based company, Supriya Book Publishers stated that the proportion of buyers among the visitors at the Imphal book fair is much higher than those held in Guwahati and other cities.