Shillong, Sept 27: The week-long Shillong Book Fair is being held at the State Central Library premises from September 27 to October 3 after a gap of seven years.
The last edition of the Shillong Book Fair organized by the National Book Trust (NBT), Ministry of Education, and Government of India in collaboration with the Education department and Art and Culture department was held in 2016.
Art and Culture Minister, Paul Lyngdoh formally inaugurated the book fair today in the presence of Education Minister, Rakkam A. Sangma, NBT director Yuvraj Malik, Commissioner and Secretary, FR Kharkongor and other dignitaries.
Speaking on the occasion, Lyngdoh said that the government has decided to outsource the U Soso Tham auditorium to professional hands to ensure that this kind of event are organized at more frequent intervals.
Art and Culture Minister also suggested on the need to have more book fairs which will attract more crowds.
It may be mentioned that the Shillong Book Fair will have something for book lovers of all age groups, and, at the same time, is very youth and child centric.
The state government has partnered with the National Book Trust as reading is slowly losing out.
The week-long Shillong Book Fair is a tribute to Meghalaya’s rich literary and cultural heritage, a diverse collection of books, including the works of local authors and regional literature spanning various genres. Book lovers will have the opportunity to explore books that mirror the vibrant cultural fabric of Meghalaya and the North East.
Throughout the fair, engaging sessions, book launches, and discussions will provide a platform for readers to interact with their literary idols.
To kindle the flames of imagination, interactive storytelling sessions and creative workshops will be conducted for children, nurturing the next generation of readers and wordsmiths. In addition to literary treasures, Shillong Book Fair will also host cultural performances, creating an ambiance of vibrancy and cultural richness.
The Shillong Book Fair 2023 will also have around 50 stalls by prominent publishers from across the country including National Book Trust, India, showcasing a diverse range of books related to Meghalaya, regional literature, and various genres in English, Khasi, Garo and other Indian languages.