Agartala, Jan 15: The 43rd edition of the Agartala Book Fair came has concluded at the Hapania International Fair Ground on Tuesday, marking a significant milestone with sales of ₹1.50 crore, as per official figures.
The closing ceremony was graced by Finance Minister Pranajit Singha Roy, who praised the overwhelming enthusiasm for books displayed by visitors.
Speaking at the event, he highlighted the enduring importance of books in an era dominated by digital technology and commended the fair for fostering intellectual and cultural connections.
Prof. Arunoday Saha, former Vice-Chancellor of Tripura Central University, described books as essential to human life and emphasized the cultural and intellectual significance of book fairs.
Renowned author Naresh Chandra Debbarma acknowledged the transformative impact of the Agartala Book Fair on the local publishing industry, calling it a vital force for promoting social harmony.
Uttam Chakraborty, Secretary of the All Tripura Book Sellers and Publishers Association, and Ajit Debbarma, Secretary of the Tripura Publishers' Guild, echoed similar sentiments, lauding the fair's contribution to the literary community.
The Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs (ICA) Department, Dr. P.K. Chakraborty, in his welcome speech, revealed that this year’s fair hosted 180 stalls and witnessed remarkable participation from publishers and visitors alike.
Prominent figures, including Subrata Chakraborty, Vice-Chairman of the State Level Cultural Advisory Committee, Biswajit Shil, Saha-Sabhadhipati of Paschim Tripura Zilla Parishad, and Manika Das Dutta, Deputy Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation, also attended the event, underscoring the fair's significance to the state’s cultural calendar.
The Agartala Book Fair has once again demonstrated its role as a cornerstone of Tripura's literary and cultural heritage, leaving an indelible mark on the state's intellectual landscape.
Several eminent figures were awarded in the closing ceremony for their outstanding contributions in various categories.