The second day (6 October, 2024) of the Shillong Book Fair — organised by the National Book
Trust-India under the Ministry of Education, Government of India — witnessed impressive
footfall despite being a Sunday. The clement weather also encouraged bibliophiles to throng
the fair venue on the premises of the State Central Library.
People from all age groups and walks of life were seen sifting through books before picking
up their favourites. Among the visitors was Shri Swapnil Tembe, IAS, Director, Dept. of
Education, Govt. of Meghalaya. “The collection here is quite good. I browsed through the
stores for more than an hour and picked up 10 books. I also bought a few books yesterday (5
October, 2024),” said Tembe, who is known for his innovative initiatives in the field of education
in Meghalaya.
Emphasising the need for regular reading, Tembe said, “When we read books, we form images
in our minds. We are active when we are reading. But when we watch visuals, we are passive.
Hence, it is important to develop the reading habit.”
Ms Shrishti Biswas, a young reader, loves all genres of books. However, she has developed
a keen interest in books on spirituality and was at the fair to look for the best options.
“I visited the NBT book fair last year too. I find the collection here really good. So far, I have
bought Kafka’s collection of short stories and I am looking for more books, especially on
spirituality,” said the student of Class XI at APS, Shillong.
Nine-year-old Laaijanai Kshiar looked excited while browsing the children’s literature section
at a stall. Her uncle, Shri Hamekhrawnam Wankhar, said she is always encouraged to read
books. “Sunday is the best day for us to visit the fair. We will come back next Sunday for more
books,” said Wankhar.
Ms Rebecca Thabah, who was carrying a treasure trove of books, said she would never miss
the NBT book fair. “As you can see, I love reading. I also enjoy children’s literature. I am a fan
of Harry Potter. This time, I have got the ‘Shatter Me’ series and some children’s books,” she
said and showed her purchases.
Besides books, the fair has daily fun activities for all. There was a poster-making competition
for the NCC cadets participating in the book fair on Sunday.
Two dance performances and a live band show are set to enliven the evening mood.
On 7 October, 2024, the Shillong Book Fair will have two events for children — Swirl & Style:
Let’s Write in Cursive! and a self-defence workshop by the Meghalaya Taekwondo
Association. There will be a session on Vedic Mathematics. Dance performances and
Mookhuri music band are scheduled to jazz up the evening on Monday.