Excelsior Correspondent
ASSAM, Nov 19: The Assam Book Fair, organized by the Assam Publication Board( APB) in association with the All Assam Book Publishers and Book Sellers Association (AABPSA) began amid gathering of book lovers, writers, publishers, and students at Sivasagar , Assam.
While attending the inaugural function as chief guest, noted Academy Award winner for children’s litterateur from Jammu, Rajeshwar Singh ‘Raju’ said that he was surprised to see the similarity of the two people and their cultures. He recalled the contributions made by General Zorawar Singh in Jammu & Kashmir thus capturing Ladhakh and extending boundaries of Dogra rule up to Tibbet just like sacrifices and immense contributions Lachit Barphukan , brave heart of Assam made for Assam and is an inspiration for generations.
He said that Assam has some mystery that is hard to unravel because no one in history could win over Assam. He specifically mentioned that the way a book on Lachit Barphukan is being translated by the Assam Publication Board in all regional languges recognized by Indian Constitution, other states and UTs should also be inspired to take such administrative steps to preserve their cultural heritage.
Earlier inaugurating the book fair, Sahityacharjya Dr Nahendra Padun said that books will eternally attract inquisitive minds as they store knowledge and this is what makes humans different from animals.
Speaking as the special guest, noted novelist Phanindra Kumar Chowdhury said that the book fairs are a great public service done by the APB and the AABPSA to our society which contributes to the overall intellectual development of the people.
Over 50 publishing houses are participating in the book fair.