STATE : The 43rd Agartala Book Fair is scheduled to take place from January 2 to January 14, 2025, marking another chapter in the state’s celebrated literary tradition. In a recent preparatory meeting led by Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha at Muktadhara Auditorium, key strategies were discussed to ensure a successful event. Focus of the event, as emphasized by the Chief Minister, would be engaging young people in reading books. Highlighting the challenges posed by social media and the internet, Chief Minister Saha stressed the importance of cultivating a reading habit among youth.

The significance of organizing the book fair is realized only when we successfully draw the younger generation towards the world of books, he said. He urged organizers to strategize ways to attract students of various levels to this year event, noting that such efforts are vital for nurturing future readership.The Chief Minister also encouraged local clubs to actively support the fair by purchasing books, contributing to a thriving literary community.

The Secretary of the Department of Information and Cultural Affairs, PK Chakraborty, provided insights from the previous fair, which featured the theme “Bhavya Bharat”. The 42nd edition showcased 175 book stalls and witnessed participation from 1,600 artists from across Tripura. Events included a Kavi Sanmelan that attracted 345 poets and the publication of 154 new books. Alongside book exhibitions, activities such as seminars, quizzes, and impromptu speech competitions kept attendees engaged.