Vijayapura's Progressive Book Fair Draws Strong Youth Response
In a notable cultural event, a five-day Buddha, Basava and Ambedkar book fair held to mark Ambedkar Jayanti concluded successfully in the tier-3 city of Vijayapura. This initiative stands out as book fairs are typically confined to state capitals, yet it garnered significant attention locally.
Successful Conclusion with Constitutional Preamble Reading
The fair concluded on Tuesday with a vibrant procession featuring hundreds of children reading the Preamble to the Constitution of India. The procession marched from Ambedkar Circle to the Darbar High School ground, where the event was organized, symbolizing a commitment to constitutional values.
Organizational Details and Sales Figures
Key organizers Anil Hosamani and Basavaraj Sulibhavi revealed that the fair was jointly organized by May Sahitya Mela Vijayapura Balaga and various Dalit and progressive organizations from April 10 to 14. They reported that 35 stalls representing 30 publishers were set up, with books worth Rs 25 lakh sold over the five days. Visitors spanned all age groups, but a majority were between 25 and 45 years old, indicating a strong youth engagement.
"It is a good sign that youth are reading progressive books," the organizers noted. While the fair primarily attracted city residents, visitors from rural areas also participated, browsing and purchasing books of their choice.
High Demand for Progressive and Rational Literature
A staff member at the stall of Dr MM Kalburgi Adhyayana Samsthe, Tontadarya Math, Gadag, highlighted that books related to Sharana literature, Ambedkar's articles, and Buddha philosophies were in high demand. Similarly, a representative from Ladai Prakashan observed that rational books outsold fiction, with many visitors inspired to buy after attending expert-led sessions.
"Since it was an occasion to listen to sessions and buy books, many visitors bought books after inspiration from experts' talks," they explained.
Student Engagement and Educational Impact
Students from regional colleges and universities, including Y Mehaboob, Sushma Pawar, and Jyothi Sontannavar, praised the fair for providing a meaningful assignment. They were tasked with reading a book and discussing it in evening sessions, allowing them to delve into works on social reformers like Jyotiba Phule, Ambedkar, Basavanna, Buddha, and Gandhi.
Broad Appeal Beyond Dalit Readers
Dakshayini Huded, a member of the Kannada Development Authority, observed that while the fair was planned to mark Ambedkar Jayanti, it attracted a significant number of non-Dalit readers. "It proved that we should carry Buddha-Basava-Ambedkar together," she commented, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the event.
Diverse Participation and Additional Attractions
The fair saw participation from notable figures such as Dalit Panthers founder JV Pawar from Mumbai, Belagavi regional commissioner KM Janaki, Women's University VC Vijaya Korishetti, KAS officer Somalinga Gennur, research scholar Krishna Kolhar Kulkarni, retired judge Vasant Mulasavalagi, along with many officials, politicians, doctors, advocates, teachers, writers, and activists. Other attractions included a convention of intercaste couples, poetry recitals, cultural programs, and a procession of vachana bundles, enriching the fair's cultural tapestry.
