Guwahati: The foundation stone for the upcoming Assam Book Fair was laid on Sunday at the playground of the College of Veterinary Science, Khanapara, Guwahati. The fair will be held for 14 days starting from December 24, marking the beginning of preparations for one of Assam’s most anticipated literary events.
The foundation stone-laying ceremony was conducted by Guwahati Police Commissioner Partha Sarathi Mahanta, who is also a noted writer and poet. Addressing the gathering, Mahanta highlighted Assam’s enduring culture of reading and writing and the growing enthusiasm among people for the Assam Book Fair.
Mahanta said the Assam Book Fair attracts visitors not only from Guwahati but from across the state. He noted that the pleasant weather during this period encourages people to visit the fair in large numbers.
“There is genuine excitement among readers across Assam for this book fair. Assam has still retained a strong tradition of reading and writing books despite changing times,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of nurturing reading habits among the younger generation, Mahanta suggested that families should make it a practice to bring their children to the book fair on January 1, the New Year, instead of going elsewhere, to help inculcate healthy reading habits from an early age.
“If families choose the book fair as a New Year destination for their children, it will help develop a positive and lasting reading culture,” he added.
The ceremony was attended by Assam Publication Board Vice Chairman Sumanta Chaliha as a distinguished guest, along with Board Member Dr Saidul Islam. Officials and staff of the Assam Publication Board, representatives of the All Assam Book Publishers and Sellers Association, owners of various publishing houses, and several book sellers were also present at the event.
Mahanta expressed confidence that this year’s Assam Book Fair would be a grand success, drawing large crowds and further strengthening Assam’s rich literary heritage.
