🖊️ Sohini Ganguly
A grand celebration of literature bloomed once more in the heart of Kolkata today. In a direction away from the frenzied schedule filled with political juggling, the honourable Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, inaugurated the 48th International Kolkata Book Fair at Boimela Prangan, Karunamoyee at 5 PM. A reflection of the CM's own literary enthusiasm in the shape of the theme "maa maati manush", the Jaagobangla Stall was where the event was officially breathed to life.
Following the ribbon cutting ceremony at the ethnic wonder Jaagobangla, the CM, along with the other dignitaries invited for the event, graced the SBI Auditorium with their presence for the Inauguration ceremony.
In her official address to the audience, she conveyed her expectations from the International Kolkata Book Fair to continue being “the best of the best” and shared the pride she feels about it. “Books are not a home's decoration but the heart’s decoration.” said she, emphasizing her deep love for books.
She further shared her wisdom about India’s cultural diversity and the relations between India and Germany, who are the focal theme of this year's Book Fair.
As the event progressed, the significance of the CM’s presence illuminating the Fair’s environment only became more apparent. It is a well known fact that she is not only a talented artist, often found expressing her creativity through the tips of paint dipped brushes, but also an accomplished writer with over 140 books credited under her name. Like every year, this year too, right after the inauguration, she shared three more of her works scheduled to be released during the Fair. “Lipiboddho: Kichu Kaaj”, “Banglay Nirbachan O Amra” and the second installment of “Salute”, a collection of poems, named “Salute 2” by Mamata Banerjee are being made available for the avid bengali readers of the state at the Jaagobangla Stall.
The Book Fair has always been a grand affair, second only to Kolkata’s Durga Puja celebrations. Lakhs of visitors across the nations are expected to fill the grounds for the next two weeks of literary heaven. Wishing everyone the best, in her ending notes, the CM reminded the audience of the city’s tradition and history that is deeply rooted in its love for literature and all other art forms, encouraging everyone to buy and read more books in an effort to keep the city’s spirit alive for ages to come.
