Books concentrate the mind and connect us with traditions: Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak
Esha-Misha’s performance captivates audience
Lucknow: “Books help in concentrating the mind. They connect us with our history and traditions, while not everything on mobile phones is good.”
These remarks were made by Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak while inaugurating the 23rd National Book Fair. The 11-day book fair began today at Balrampur Garden, Ashok Marg. On the occasion, a Kathak performance was presented by Esha-Misha Ratan.
The fair, dedicated to the theme of 150 years of ‘Vande Mataram’, was visited by the Deputy Chief Minister after the inauguration. Calling upon the youth to visit the book fair, he said that to become a good writer, it is also necessary to be a good reader. Referring to the works of Ram Vilas Sharma, Nirala and Tagore, he said that a writer shows direction to the society.
Earlier, convener Manoj Singh Chandel and director Akarsh Chandel welcomed the guests and spoke about the continuity of the event and its achievements over 23 years.
Following this, Ratan Sisters Esha-Misha Ratan began their duet dance on stage with Ram Vandana – ‘Shri Ram Chandra Kripalu Bhajman…’. This was followed by pure classical Kathak and a Tarana full of intricate nuances like ‘Kasak Masak’ – starting with the sher ‘Guncha hai gul hai sabza hai…’. In the finale, glimpses of a dance performance set to ‘Vande Mataram’ recently sung by renowned singer Hariharan were showcased.
Spread over approximately 75,000 square feet, the book fair has more than 120 stalls of over 50 reputed publishers and distributors.
The fair offers a collection of literature, academic books, children’s literature and rare books in Hindi, English and other regional languages.
Publishers from Delhi including Prabhat Prakashan, Rajpal and Sons, Vani Prakashan, Bharatiya Jnanpith, Unbound Script, Sasta Sahitya Mandal, Samyak Prakashan, Samayik Prakashan, Velayat Publications, Green Palm, FlyDreams, EHF Learning, Rishabh Books, Nayyar Book, Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, Student Book Center, Yashika Enterprises, Aryan Book, Ritesh Book, Best Book, Padam Book, Jyoti Books and Shivangi Book International, Tridev Books, Parimal Publication, Vardhman Books, Rishi Publication, along with Manjul Publishing, Setu Prakashan, Rekhta Publications from Noida and New Book and Verma Book from Ghaziabad, Lokbharti Prakashan Prayagraj; Upkar, Pratiyogita Darpan, Sahitya Sarovar and Nikhil Publishers from Agra; Dinkar Pustakalaya Bhagalpur; Authors Adda; Gideons International; Link Limited and Paradise Book Company from Raipur have set up their stalls. Stalls of U.P. Hindi Sansthan, U.P. Urdu Academy, Ramakrishna Math, Gyanarchi Books, Navpallav Books, Bodhras Prakashan, Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, The Intellectuals, U.P. Sahitya Sabha, Hindi Wangmay Nidhi, Satya Marg Prakashan, Gayatri Gyan Mandir, Health Care Systems and Devendra Book are also present.
A series of literary events will also begin on the stage from tomorrow. The fair, which will remain open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, offers a minimum discount of 10 percent on every book purchased.
The supporting partners of the book fair are UP Metro, Radio City, Origins, Kiran Foundation, Join Hands Foundation, Lokangan, Vishwam Foundations, Vijay Studio, Golden Grass and Kavita Kisse Kahaniyan.
Tomorrow’s Programmes / October 2*
11.00 AM – Programme – Authors Adda
12.30 PM – Kavi Goshthi – Anunaad Sanstha
2.30 PM – Book Launch – FlyDreams
4.00 PM – Programme – Ira Publication
6.00 PM – Book Discussion – Sumbul Siddiqui
7.30 PM – Kavi Goshthi – Utkarsh Sanstha
