Lucknow: The much-awaited Lucknow Book Fair commenced at Ravindralaya Charbagh Lawn and will continue until March 9. The fair was inaugurated by Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation’s Managing Director, Sushil Kumar. Themed around children’s literature, the fair also kicked off various literary and cultural activities. Among the cultural events, the Kathak performance “Mere Raghuwar” by the Ratan Sisters, Isha and Misha, stood out as a highlight.
In his inaugural address, Metro Rail Corporation Managing Director Sushil Kumar emphasized that the value of books can never diminish, even though the medium of reading may evolve. He stressed the need to digitize books and acknowledged that some publishers have already begun this process. He also called for the creation of books and media content catering to individuals above 60 years of age. Furthermore, he stated that the metro’s premises are open not only for book fairs but also for artists and talents to host exhibitions, photo shoots, and documentary screenings.
Guest Rajendra Agrawal urged parents to replace mobile phones in children’s hands with books. Sports administrator T.P. Havelia spoke about the brave young martyrs like Baba Fateh Singh. Earlier, in a ceremony anchored by Jyoti Kiran Ratan, organizer Manoj Singh Chandel highlighted the history of the National Book Fair since 2003 and the Lucknow Book Fair since 2014. He also announced a special event for children in association with the Lucknow Metro Rail in April. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by fair director Akarsh Chandel.
Ratan Sisters Present ‘Mere Raghuwar’
The dance and music program, organized by Kalaangan and Join Hands Foundation, featured a mesmerizing Kathak performance by Ratan Sisters, Isha and Misha. Disciples of Guru Arjun Mishra and Surabhi Singh, they began with the Ram Stuti, Namami Bhakt Vatsalam…. Their student, Ridhima, portrayed expressions on the bhajan Shri Ramchandra Kripalu Bhaj Man…. Isha and Misha later enacted the Ramayana tale of Lav and Kush through Kathak sequences.
On March 3, artists from Aparajita Sanstha will present a dance and music program. On March 4, artists from Natya Shala Foundation and Om Shri Ganpati Social Organization will stage the humorous play Sab Golmaal Hai, written by Rajkumar Anil. On March 5, the Lok Sanskriti Research Institute will host a folk Chaupal dedicated to Holi songs.
Day Filled with Poetry and Cultural Activities
The cultural stage at the fair saw a vibrant start with a poetry and felicitation event, organized by Aageet Parishad and Navsrijan Sanstha. The ceremony, beginning with Roopa Pandey Shatarupa’s invocation, featured poets such as Mahesh Chandra Dwivedi, Prof. Usha Sinha, Sultan Shakir, Om Neerav, and Umesh Chandra. Later in the evening, Sankalp Foundation organized a musical gathering led by Shashi Singh. Meanwhile, Prithvi Innovation conducted engaging environmental competitions.
Publishers from Across India Participate
The fair showcases an extensive lineup of publishers from across the country, including Indian Art Publications (Delhi), Divyansh Publications (Lucknow), Padma Book Company (Delhi), Ritesh Book Agency (New Delhi), Being Bookish (Lucknow), Yashika Enterprises (Delhi), Angel Book House (Raipur), Universal Book Store (Delhi), Nav Pallav Book, Bahujan Sahitya Kendra, Tridev Books Collections (New Delhi), Dev Book Collection (Delhi), Educational & Scientific Aids, Sasta Sahitya Mandal Publications (New Delhi), Shubhi Publications (Gurugram), Hind Yugm (Gautam Buddha Nagar), Jaico Publishing House (New Delhi), Children’s Book Trust (New Delhi), Publication Division (Ministry of Information & Broadcasting), Nikhil Publishers & Distributors (Agra), Ramakrishna Math, Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (Ranchi), Shri Kabir Gyan Prakashan Kendra (Giridih), Vilayat Publications (Delhi), Aaditri Book Center (Delhi), Acupressure Healthcare Systems, H Jute Bags (Kolkata), Kannauj Heritage, and Escelera Technology.
Events on March 2
- 11:00 AM: Poetry session by Abhushan Kavyatmak Abhivyakti Patal
- 12:30 PM: Special programs for children and youth
- 3:30 PM: Book launch by Nikhil Publications
- 5:00 PM: Book launch of Koi Naya Naam Do by Mahendra Bhishma
The Lucknow Book Fair promises to be a celebration of literature, culture, and artistic talent, offering visitors a unique blend of knowledge and entertainment.
