PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief secretary Anand Bardhan inaugurated the book fair at the Doon Library and Research Centre (DLRC) on November 1, marking the occasion of the State’s 25th anniversary. During the event, the CS visited stalls set up by various publishing houses. He stated that events like these inspire us to read and encouraged today’s youth, as well as everyone else, to befriend books. Former CS NS Napalchyal, who is also the coordinator of the Silver Jubilee celebrations being held from November 1 to 4, encouraged the youth to develop the habit of reading from an early age and highlighted the value of reading as a lifelong habit essential for personal growth and knowledge. Many other officials were present during the occasion.
DLRC librarian JB Goyal said several events would take place at the library from November 1 to 4. A total of 18 book stalls have been set up, featuring books related to Uttarakhand, the Himalayas and various other topics. These stalls have been established free of charge, as the library administration has not imposed any fees on the stall owners. The owners include local vendors from Dehradun, Uttarakhand booksellers and others. If this year’s book fair is successful, the library administration intends to organise a similar event next year, he said.
Goyal further added that after the book fair concludes, on November 3, Uttarakhandi folk songs will be performed by Padma Shri recipient Madhu Barthwal, along with Kumaoni folk songs by the Upreti sisters. Additionally, a puppet show for children will also be organised on the same day. On November 4, a dialogue programme focusing on balancing conservation with development, along with an open quiz on nature and wildlife, will take place. Further, a “Bahubhashi Kavi Sammelan” (Multilingual Poetry Gathering) will also be organised on that day.
