French philosopher Voltaire once said, “Books rule the modern world. A society without books is as good as not existing.” Homen Borgohain quoted this line in one of his books. When we hear the word “book,” we immediately think of a storehouse of knowledge. Books have always been considered the easiest medium for gaining knowledge. It is often said that a book can be your true friend.
In today’s era of rapid technological growth, the love for books has decreased, and the number of readers and writers is also declining. However, despite these challenges, many conscious citizens continue to make efforts to promote reading and help the younger generation discover the unique joy found in books. In Assam too, there is a good environment for readers and writers. The crowds seen at book fairs held across the state every year, especially the participation of young people, prove this.
The Government of Assam has declared the current year as the “Year of Books” and has been organising book fairs across the state to promote literature. To encourage reading, the state government has announced financial assistance for every government employee to buy books, and has also introduced financial support for young writers in the creative, scientific and academic fields.
Additionally, the government has published a book on legendary artist Sudhakantha Dr. Bhupen Hazarika and has arranged for its distribution. Special grants have also been provided to book fairs organised at district level and in sub-divisional headquarters.
In recent years, book fairs in Assam have been jointly organised by the Publication Board Assam and Assam State Textbook Production and Publication Corporation Limited. This year too, book fairs have already been held in various locations, and more are currently underway. Starting from October, book fairs have taken place in Bongaigaon, Lakhimpur, Nalbari and Jorhat. At present, fairs are being held in Tinsukia and Silchar. Upcoming book fairs include Mangaldoi from December 12–18, and Guwahati from December 24 to January 6.
The eight-day book fair in Bongaigaon held at Gandhi Maidan recorded sales of around ₹30 lakh. The ten-day fair at Lakhimpur Commerce College playground saw sales of about ₹45 lakh. The book fair in Nalbari, held along with the Srisri Hari Mandir Rasa festival, crossed ₹1 crore in sales. The Jorhat book fair also saw sales of several lakhs. These figures show the strong love for books among the people of Assam.
These book fairs are not merely places for buying and selling books. They act as meeting points for readers and writers, where readers can directly interact with authors and exchange ideas. The environment of these fairs inspires even those who are not very interested in books to start reading. The events held here reflect our culture and heritage. If parents introduce their children to such environments from a young age, the habit of reading can continue alongside technology.
These book fairs play an important role in promoting Assamese language, literature and culture.
