Lucknow – The 22nd National Book Fair at Balrampur Garden, Ashok Marg, is approaching its grand finale, set to conclude on Hindi Diwas. The eleventh day of the fair was a vibrant celebration of books, culture, and art, drawing enthusiastic participation from readers and dignitaries alike.
Book lovers thronged the stalls, picking up titles of their choice. Vinay from Barabanki purchased 15 books on Dalit literature, while Madhulika chose Jay Shetty’s Think Like a Monk and Roger’s First Things First from Shubhi Prakashan. School students Avantika and Prabhat were seen exploring instruments like binoculars, while little readers Richa, Kshiti, and Aarav enjoyed buying coloring and story books.
Honoring 108 Literary Figures
On the main stage, Nikhil Prakashan hosted a special Environment Awareness and Felicitation Ceremony, where 108 Hindi litterateurs were honored. The event also witnessed the release of retired Bengali teacher Sukumar Jain’s anthology of poems and stories, Kakoli.
The Lucknow Tribune Felicitation Ceremony
In the evening, the Book Fair Committee and The Lucknow Tribune jointly organized a felicitation ceremony. Distinguished guests included Prof. M.L.B. Bhatt (Director, Kalyan Singh Super Speciality Cancer Institute), Prof. Balraj Chauhan (Dharmashastra National Law University, Jabalpur), Prof. A. Singh (Vikrant University, Gwalior), Regional PF Commissioner A.K. Gupta, and educationist Rachna Mohotra, alongside convenors Manoj Singh Chandel and K.P. Singh.
Eminent professionals from health and other fields were felicitated with angavastrams and mementos for their invaluable services. Honorees included pulmonologist Dr. S.N. Gupta, radiologist Dr. Mamta Gupta, Dr. Arveen Tulsi, breast surgeon Dr. Farah Arshad, Dr. K.B. Jain, orthopedic surgeon Dr. A.M. Siddiqui, Dr. Devesh Kohli, educationist Dr. Amit Kumar Niranjan, author Jaswant Singh, knowledge systems expert Nitin Bhatia, editor Esha Singh (City Essence magazine), Dr. Rinki Pathak, Ram Shankar Verma, Archana Rai, Rachna Mitra, Dr. Tushar Chetawani, Madhulika Agrawal, Madhumita Mukherjee, Anjana Swami, and Shilpi Jain, among others.
The evening also saw the release of Ratan Srivastava Ratan’s book Khwaabon Ka Tana Bana by Vani Prakashan, followed by a cultural program by the Bhushundi Sahitya Sansthan.
Dazzling Kathak by Ratan Sisters
The highlight of the evening was a breathtaking performance by the Ratan Sisters, Esha and Misha, whose Kathak recital electrified the stage with unmatched grace and speed. Their group presented classical and fusion performances, from Rudrashtakam in devotion to Lord Shiva to a soulful rendition of Chaap Tilak Sab Cheenhi.
Their disciples, Anushka Singh and Riddhima Srivastava, also performed beautifully on Ganesh Vandana and Kahe Ched Mohe. The performances enthralled the audience, adding a cultural vibrancy to the literary celebration.
