GUWAHATI, Nov 3 - Eminent writer Nirupama Borgohain today inaugurated the 18th edition of the North East Book Fair organized by the All Assam Publishers and Book Sellers Association at the Assam Engineering Institute playground here.
One of the most awaited events of the book lovers in this part of the State, the fair would continue till November 14.
In her inaugural speech, the popular writer highlighted the importance of books in a person�s life. �Books are the most trusted and loyal friends one can ever have, without which life becomes dull. Book fairs, on the other hand, facilitate a perfect ambience for the book lovers and the authors as well to know and understand each other. Interactive sessions and also the preference of readers help the writers to know their readers,� she said.
Commenting on the trend of inviting politicians to book fairs, she said that barring a few, there are not many politicians who are closely associated with the world of literature. �It is a trend worldwide, may be because politicians are very busy people,� she said.
Director of National Book Trust and writer Dr Rita Choudhury, while speaking on the occasion, stressed the need to take Assamese literature to the international arena.
�To create global literature, we need to encourage good writers and support them as well,� she said calling upon young writers to think in global perspective.
�No alternative in the world can dominate the power of pen. Till people have the urge to express themselves, the power of pen would be intact. However, the pen will also have to express the feelings of those who cannot express themselves, including the nature and animals,� she said.
Member of Parliament Ramen Deka also emphasized on the importance of books and the relevance of print medium. Shubhamoy Deb, secretary of Confederation of North East Publishers and Ajit Kumar Barman, president of All Assam Publishers and Book Sellers Association also spoke on the occasion.
