GUWAHATI, Oct 8 � Story telling is integral to the growing process of a child and the 10th Festival of Books for Children by Anwesha � a socio-cultural organization � will focus on the educative value of story telling by celebrating this age-old tradition.
Assam with its diverse cultures and communities is a treasure trove of stories that reveal the various aspects of life always emphasizing on spreading a moral message among those who listen to it. Organizers of the book festival while addressing media persons here on Wednesday said that promoting stories among children is one of the major objectives of the festival.
�The preparations for the Festival of Books for Children have almost been completed. The objective of this festival is to expose our children to the exciting world of books and inculcate the habit of reading among them,� said Paresh Malakar, president of Anwesha.
The festival which will be held at AEI field from October 10 to 19 will introduce children to the world of stories that travel like a river overcoming all obstacles in its way.
�Education of children is not confined within classrooms. To enhance the imaginative and creative faculty of children, it is important that they are initiated to the tradition of stories,� said Malakar, adding that Assam is the home to different communities and peoples and each community has its own stories.
�These stories tell the history of the community, its happiness and sorrows. They are like rivers. They travel across communities defying all manmade boundaries. While travelling from one community to the other they often change colours. In the process stories branch out and new stories are born,� Malakar observed.
Malakar further said that under the prevailing condition in the state wherein children are exposed to violence, it has become pertinent to focus on the creative aspect of the future generation to build a progressive and peaceful Assam. �Stories convey human cravings and urges. In the divisive and battered times stories can bring solace to us. Stories are great tool of education. They can entertain and educate us. The stories convey human values,� stressed Malakar.
Last year more than a lakh children and their guardians visited the book festival. According to Malakar, the increasing participation in the fair every year was indicative of the popularity of books among children.
