The vibrant literary culture of Assam's Barak Valley was on full display as the Assam Book Fair commenced its week-long journey in Silchar on Monday. The event was formally inaugurated by the state's Education Minister, Ranoj Pegu, at the Police Parade Ground.
A Celebration of Words and Wisdom
The fair is a collaborative effort between the Publication Board Assam and the All Assam Publishers and Book Sellers Association. It promises to be a haven for bibliophiles until its conclusion on December 10. The inauguration ceremony saw a gathering of students, educators, publishers, and literature enthusiasts from across the region.
Minister Traces Reading to Cognitive Revolution
In his inaugural address, Minister Ranoj Pegu delivered a profound discourse on the timeless value of reading. He took the audience on a historical journey, tracing the roots of structured communication and knowledge preservation back nearly 75,000 years to the cognitive revolution in Homo sapiens.
Pegu noted that while language, religion, customs, and traditions formed the bedrock of early human civilization, the challenge of inadequate documentation persisted. He positioned books as the ultimate solution to this age-old problem, serving as permanent repositories of human thought and progress.
Books as Companions for the Mind
The minister issued a compelling appeal, especially to students, to cultivate reading as a disciplined and habitual part of their learning process. He emphasized that books are far more than mere sources of information.
"Books not only deepen our knowledge and broaden our perspectives but also act as faithful companions that have the power to calm and focus the mind," Pegu stated, highlighting the dual intellectual and emotional benefits of engaging with literature.
The Assam Book Fair in Silchar stands as a significant cultural event, reinforcing the importance of the written word in an increasingly digital age. It provides a crucial platform for local publishers and writers while inspiring a new generation to embrace the enduring habit of reading.
