Malda: Malda College Grounds in English Bazar came alive on Monday afternoon as the 36th Malda Book Fair was inaugurated by Siddiqullah Chowdhury, Minister of State for Mass Education and Library Department, alongside renowned author Vinayak Bandyopadhyay.
Malda, which had topped the book sales charts among 2024 book fairs in the state, has drawn widespread attention for its vibrant celebration of communal harmony and inclusivity. Chowdhury stated that Malda sold books worth over Rs 1.79 crore last year, the highest in the state, contributing to the total state-wide sales of Rs 12 crore. This year’s theme, “Communal Harmony Building through Language”, underscored the fair’s focus on unity through literature. Reflecting on Swami Vivekananda’s teachings of love and service, Chowdhury emphasised the role of books in fostering peace and understanding.
A highlight of the inaugural day was a colourful rally featuring schoolchildren marching through English Bazar Municipality, from Vrindabani Grounds to the fair venue.
Among them were special children with visual disabilities from a Harishchandrapur school, who graced the occasion with a heartfelt rendition of the State Song. Chowdhury reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting special children, highlighting funds allocated for their travel and urging people’s representatives to extend additional assistance. He called for increased efforts to promote books, suggesting libraries in panchayats and municipalities as hubs for fostering a culture of reading. Author Vinayak Bandyopadhyay emphasised the enduring significance of books, calling them “bridges of knowledge” that transcend barriers of language and enmity. “This generation logs in and out of the digital world, but books remain steadfast companions, offering love and wisdom that unite communities,” he remarked. Meanwhile, the Dakshin Dinajpur District Book Fair concluded on a high note this year, recording an impressive sale of books worth approximately Rs 30 lakh, as reported by the organisers. Joint Secretary of the Book Fair Committee, Subhash Bhawal, remarked: “After 23 years, the fair returned to Buniadpur, and we are thrilled to set a record. The turnout and sales exceeded our expectations.”