Finance Minister: Interest in Books Remains Strong Despite the Digital Era
Agartala 15 Jan, 2025: In the modern digital age, many believed that the value of books might have diminished. However, the 43rd Agartala Book Fair has proven that people’s interest in books has not waned but has rather increased. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the fair at the Hapania International Fair Grounds, Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy highlighted the enduring relevance of books. He remarked that books are a gateway to knowledge and remain as significant today as ever, even in the face of modernization and digitization.
He emphasized that while Tripura is transitioning into the digital age with initiatives like statewide e-filing and a paperless State Assembly, the demand for books continues unabated. The Finance Minister also noted that book fairs bring people closer to intellectuals and cultural figures, enriching society in unique ways. Comparing the sentiment of the book fair’s conclusion to the melancholy of Dashami during Durga Puja, he acknowledged the emotional connection people have with this event. He expressed hope that the collective efforts of all stakeholders will make next year’s book fair even more successful.
Notable Speakers at the Ceremony
• Former Vice Chancellor of Tripura University, Professor Arunoday Saha, stated that book fairs have no alternative, as books are an indispensable part of life.
• Renowned author Naresh Chandra Debbarma praised the Agartala Book Fair for bringing transformative changes to the state’s publishing industry and fostering communal harmony.
• Secretary of Tripura Publishers’ Guild, Ajit Debbarma, noted the deep integration of book fairs into the socio-cultural fabric of the state.
Organizers’ Perspectives
Uttam Chakraborty, Secretary of the All Tripura Booksellers and Publishers Association, observed the enthusiasm of people eagerly awaiting the next book fair once the current one concludes, indicating the profound cultural impact of the event. Rakhal Majumder, Secretary of Publishers and Booksellers Association, highlighted the expanding scope of the Agartala Book Fair as a promising sign for local authors and publishers.
Significance of the Book Fair
In his welcome speech, Dr. P.K. Chakraborty, Secretary of the Department of Information and Culture, referred to the book fair as a “festival of intellect and creativity” that illuminates minds with knowledge. This year, the fair featured 180 stalls, with an estimated book sale of ₹1.5 crore, surpassing last year’s ₹1.47 crore.
Subrata Chakraborty, Vice Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee, presiding over the event, described the book fair as a unique confluence of intellect, thought, and creativity, distinct from any other event. He emphasized how book fairs not only enrich society but also foster individual intellectual growth.
Prominent attendees included Bishwajit Seal, Vice Chairperson of the West Tripura Zilla Parishad; Monika Das Dutta, Deputy Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation; and Bimbisar Bhattacharya, Director of the Department of Information and Culture.
The 43rd Agartala Book Fair stands as a testament to the timeless appeal of books and their role in enriching culture and intellect amidst an increasingly digital world.
