All for the book worms

MALDA,(India) Jan. 9. — The 17th Malda book fair ended with a colourful cultural programme at Rabindra Avenue today. The organisers claimed that the fair was a success as it fulfilled the social, cultural and most significantly, commercial objectives of the book publishers. Overall 140 publishers participated in the Malda book fair and its financial transaction record was better then the previous year’s record. Besides, numerous book stalls, many commercial, armature and little magazines stalls were set to lure the book-lovers. The arts and crafts presented by “Fusion” at the Malda book-fair, was especially appreciated by majority of visitors. For the first time, the book-fair committee provided career guidance to the local aspirants. A kindergarten school offered computer literacy via the Internet. A local cable network group for broadband system offered free Internet services within the fair premises to the people.The book fair committee said that response this year was very good.“This year, we arranged a separate section for English publications and got nine such publishers,” Mr Das added. Visitors were also pleased with the arrangements and the management. “It’s a very good fair. It seems that the organisers have planned the fair very nice way. The management is impeccable,” said Mr Justin Carroll, a citizen of Ireland said. — SNS

Malda Book Fair sees myriad colours

MALDA. Jan. 3. — The 17th Malda Book Fair was inaugurated today by the eminent writer, Mr Samaresh Majumdar, at Malda College ground. The programme was attended by administrative officials, local intellectuals, educationist, political leaders including the Malda MP, Mr ABA Ghani Khan Choudhury and the state minister Mr Sailen Sarkar. Over 140 stalls have been set up for the seven-day long book fair. Various government departments have also displayed their plans and programme here. The committee has also allowed a few other stalls in the fair. Some local organisation, writers and poets will publish their special edition in the fair. Inaugurating with classical music programme there are several cultural programmes for the remaining six days , the organisers claimed. — SNS

MALDA, Jan. 4. — The second day of 17th Malda Book Fair was kicked off with a debate on the relationship between agriculture and industry for the homogeneous development of the country at the Tridib Gupta Mancha today. In memory of the local writer and poet, Late Tridib Gupta, the book fare committee allowed the launch of his unpublished write-up “Sankalito Tridib Gupta” today, along with an array of cultural programmes. On the other hand, the Malda book fair also witnessed book lovers who assembled to buy books and had a merry time in the fair premises. Even the police department installed a counter for counselling the unemployed and provided them career guidance. The district magistrate, Mr Abhijit Choudhuri, urged the people to join this counselling programme, which was being convened for their well-being and benefit. Hoping to earn an extra buck, many people already running their small business also flocked the counselling session. But the most interesting thing was the presence of a group of some 20 coffee hawkers, who have come all the way from South Bengal to sell coffee. Nitai Mallick (42), a coffee hawker has come from Gopal Nagar in Bongaon. He has been coming to the fair since four years. #

From Left : Mr. Sailen Sarkar , minister for food processing industry and horticulture, Mr. Goutam Chakraborty , Chief of Malda district self government body and Bengali writer Mr. Samaresh Majumdar. Pic. Namen Dutta.