Tripura, 02 Jan 2026: Describing books as humanity’s true friends that never betray, Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday formally inaugurated the 44th Agartala Book Fair at the Hapania International Fair Ground. Addressing the gathering in the evening, the Chief Minister said the book fair serves as a vibrant meeting point for writers, readers and cultural personalities, and can rightly be called a “mini Kumbh Mela” of literature and culture.
Highlighting the power of the written word, the Chief Minister remarked that the pen is mightier than the sword, a truth now universally accepted. He stressed that there is no shortcut to learning and that regular reading helps individuals become more refined and intellectually enriched. Developing a habit of reading, he said, leads to the growth of thought and consciousness, adding that there is no subject in the world on which books cannot be written.
Referring to the global reputation of the Agartala Book Fair, the Chief Minister said people across the world are aware of the event. He noted that the schedule of the fair was changed this year keeping in mind students’ examinations, a move expected to benefit students significantly.
Recalling past traditions, the Chief Minister said books were once commonly given as gifts at social occasions, and if this practice is revived, it would benefit writers and publishers alike. In the age of social media, he added, dedicating even a little time to books would greatly enrich individuals. Speaking on the choice of venue, he pointed out that organizing the fair at Hapania offers several advantages, as the venue is located beside a national highway and close to a railway station, ensuring easy access. Moreover, the international fair ground already has the necessary infrastructure, which helps reduce overall costs.
The Chief Minister also noted that Tripura is the only state where book fairs are organized under government patronage. He expressed hope that the awards presented on the occasion would inspire the younger generation.
State Assembly Deputy Speaker Ramprasad Pal, speaking as a guest of honour, said books are indispensable to human life, guiding society from darkness to light. He described books as the soul of humanity and said greater engagement with books enriches individuals.
Presiding over the function, MLA Minarani Sarkar said the number of book lovers attending the Agartala Book Fair at Hapania has been increasing every year. She added that the more students embrace books, the more they will benefit.
Delivering the welcome address, Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department P. K. Chakraborty said the book fair is a confluence of knowledge, culture and joy. He informed that book sales at the fair have been steadily rising each year—₹1.47 crore in 2024 and ₹1.53 crore last year—and expressed optimism that sales would increase further this year. He also announced that 183 stalls have been set up at the 44th Agartala Book Fair.
Among those present were Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor and MLA Dipak Majumder, West Tripura Zilla Parishad Acting Sabhadhipati Biswajit Shil, Vice Chairman of the State Cultural Advisory Committee Subrata Chakraborty, and former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura Central University and Padma Shri awardee Arunodoy Saha, along with eminent writers Naresh Debbarma and Milan Kanti Dutta. Director of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department Bimbisar Bhattacharjee and other dignitaries were also present.
During the inaugural programme, the Chief Minister and distinguished guests unveiled the souvenir of the 44th Agartala Book Fair and the cover of Gomati. After the inauguration, the Chief Minister released two books authored by Prof. Satyam Roy Chowdhury at the poets’ meet and book release stage. He also inaugurated a photography exhibition organized by photojournalists and a special health awareness and health check-up stall set up by the National Health Mission, Tripura.
