IMPHAL, December 15: Uripok MLA L Nandakumar Singh today inaugurated the 24th Imphal Book Fair 2015 at the Thangmeiband Athletic Union (THAU) Ground Imphal.
The inaugural function was also attended by Arts and Culture secretary K Radhakumar Manipur University Librarian consultant (retd) Dr Th Khomdon Singh as president and chief guest respectively.
The ten-day long fair is being jointly organised by the State Central Library, department of Arts and Culture, along with the Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata.
The chief guest also released a souvenir during the inaugural function.
Akansha Publishing House based in New Delhi announced a donation of Rs 10,000 worth books for the State Central Library besides a 20 percent discount on all books.
Ramesh Tiwary of Bookline wholesaler, distributor & retailer who has been a major participant of the fair since 2001 announced 15 percent discount on all books including international literature and politics.
“Every year I bring the latest books and my collection is updated for even the children section” he said.
The highly acclaimed “The Farthest Field” by Raghu Karnad, which was also launched recently in Imphal is available at fifteen percent off with Bookline.
Altogether 100 stalls have been opened again this year with 17 firms participating from outside along with 30 from within the State. Last year the discount was 10 % which we have increased to 15% this year.
Various events are lined up for the next ten days including book release, recitation, children spot painting competition, panel discussions, interaction with successful personalities, artists, sportspersons, film stars, authors, singers etc.
The president of the function, K Radhakumar Singh in his speech said the intent of the book fair is to create a society of book readers and re-inculcate the reading habit in this techno oriented generation. According to him there are 144 libraries in Manipur State officially though most of these are not operational.