Opening today: Book Fair with Gandhi as theme

LUCKNOW: The 17th National Book Fair is all set to start in Lucknow on Friday with Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘150th Jayanti’ as its theme. UP governor Anandiben Patel will inaugurate the book fair at 5 pm.

“The ten-day fest will showcase books of various publishers on life and work of Mahatma Gandhi. Various programmes based on Mahatma will also be performed during the fair,” said divisional convenor of National Book Fair Manoj Singh Chandel. He said, “This year Gujarat will be showcasing its rich culture, heritage, tourism and industrial achievements. Special stalls of Gujarat tourism and other publishers from there will be a part of the book fair.” Entry will be free as always and a minimum discount of 10% will be given to book lovers, said co-organiser Aakarshan Jain. He also talked about the never ending benefits of books in the era of virtual world. Manoj S Chandel said Prabhat Prakashan, Rajkamal, Lokbharti, Kitabghar, Rajpal, Central Hindi Directorate, Samayik Parakshan, Bharatiya Jnanpith , National Council for promotion of Sindhi language, Samyak Prakashan , Sahitya Bhandar, Scholars Hub, Gautam Books , Indian Social Institute, National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, The Gideons , Sri Ramakrishna Mission, Gayatri Gyan Mandir , Vaidik Sahitya, Chinmaya Mission, UP Urdu Academy, Goodword Books, Raushni Publishing, Rational Thinkers cafe etc will be a part of the fair. There will be a free stall for the local writers for display and sale of their books. According to chief patron Murli Dhar Ahuja, a variety of programmes such as book release, meet the writer, kavi sammelan, mushaira, singing and dance, quiz, drawing, slogan writing, story writing competition, magic and puppet shows will be held for children during the fair.