The Shillong Book Fair organised by National Book Trust (NBT) in collaboration with Arts and Culture Department and Education Department of Meghalaya was inaugurated today.
Arts & Culture Minister Paul Lyngdoh who attended the function as the chief guest, stressed on the need for the National Book Trust to engage further in the state through mobile libraries, interaction platforms between the writers such as authors, poets, storytellers and readers on a regular basis as it will benefit the people and the students in particular.
He urged the students to develop a habit of reading books rather than relying on contents available through technology as there is an emotional attachment to reading in its actual form.
Lyngdoh also thanked the National Book Trust – India for bringing back the book fair to Shillong after a hiatus of 7 years and hoped that the people of the state rekindle their love and passion for books in its physical form.
Education Minister, Rakkam A Sangma, Commissioner & Secretary FR Kharkongor, Education Adviser Himalaya M Shangpliang, NEHU Vice Chancellor Prof P S Shukla and others were present at the inaugural function.
The Shillong Book Fair held at the State Central Library premises 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.