National Book Fair to focus on environmental issues

LUCKNOW: The 10-day-long National Book Fair at the Moti Mahal Lawns from August 11 has a lot in store for bibliophiles this year – it is dedicated to spreading awareness on sanitation and environmental issues.

Like every year, the fair will have free entry and 10% discount on all books.

To promote Lucknow’s rich Urdu culture, Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy, Rai Book Depot and Madhur Sandesh Sangam will be participating in the fair.

“Governor Ram Naik will inaugurate the fair at 5 pm on Friday,” said Devraj Arora, president of Knowledge Hub and one of the organisers on Sunday.

Various worldwide publications will be seen at the fair some of which include Rajkamal, Lok Bharti, Rajpal and Sons, Prabhat Prakashan, Prakashan Sansthan, Rashtriya Pustak Nyas, Kitabghar, Vani Prakashan, Diamond Books, Samyak Prakashan, Osho Darshan, Sahitya Bhandar, Aman Prakashan, Rajasthan Patrika, Parimal Prakashan, Bihar Granth Academy and Kabir Gyan Kendra.

Organisers said various cultural programmes during the 10-day-long fair will include gatherings of poets and writers, kavi sammelan, and mushairas.

A kavi sammelan in collaboration with MAA Foundation will be organised at 7:30 pm on August 13. Administrative officers will also take part in it.

The event will be highlighted with the book launches of Dr Sunil Jogi, Vinay Vajpai, Dr Amita Dubey, Neerja Hemendra, Manjusha Mohan, Alka Pramod and other writers. The Sahityakar Shiromani Samman will be awarded to Dr Vidyavindu Singh and other outstanding contributors in various fields will be honoured with Lucknow Sewa Ratn Samman at the fair.

The fair will also have inspirational seminars in memory of Trilochan Shastri, Muktibodh and Rahi Masoom Raza. Readers will get an opportunity to meet and interact with different writers.

Nirankari Mission, an organisation that helps in spreading the message of humanity, will host a spiritual meeting at the fair which can be attended by visitors.

Local writers will be provided space at certain stalls to display their work free of cost.

Parking space will be available at nominal rates. This includes free parking for cycles, Rs 5 for scooters/bikes and Rs 10 for four- wheelers.

The closing ceremony of the fair will be hosted on August 20 in the presence of deputy chief minister, Keshav Prasad Maurya. Select book stall owners, contributors, and children who participate in various events at the fair will be awarded.