Northeast Desk, 6th October: The second edition of the Shillong Book Fair opened on a rainy Saturday, with the National Book Trust, India hosting the nine-day literary event at the State Central Library. Inaugurated by Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar, the fair saw an impressive turnout despite the downpour, reflecting the community’s deep commitment to reading and learning.
Over 300 students from more than 10 local schools braved the weather to attend the event. FR Kharkongor, Principal Secretary of the Department of Arts and Culture, commended their dedication, saying, “Your participation proves that you are all for books.”
The fair, which aims to cultivate a reading culture, offers a variety of literary activities and provides a platform for knowledge exchange. Yuvraj Malik, Director of the National Book Trust India, underscored the significance of reading in shaping the leaders of tomorrow, urging students to become “ambassadors of the book fair” and to incorporate reading into their everyday routines.
Throughout the fair, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, including drawing competitions, cultural performances, and an orientation session on the Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya digital library initiative. The book fair will run until October 13, offering a diverse selection of books and events to the public.