On February 21, 2024, the Information & Cultural Affairs Department of the Government of Tripura organized the 42nd Agartala Book Fair at the International Fair Ground in Hapania. The event was inaugurated by Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha, who lit the ceremonial lamp to mark the beginning of the fair.
Chief Minister’s Inaugural Speech: Dr. Manik Saha emphasized the irreplaceable value of books, even in the modern era dominated by technology. He reminisced about his childhood, recalling the long queues at the Birchandra State Central Library, highlighting the timeless appeal of books. The Chief Minister encouraged the practice of gifting books to support publishers and writers, and to foster a culture of reading. He expressed his hope that the book fair would stimulate an interest in reading among the public.
Fair Details:
Duration: February 21, 2024, to March 5, 2024
Theme: “Bhavya Bharat”
Timings:
Regular Days: 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Holidays: 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Stalls:
Total: 191
Tripura: 110
West Bengal: 66
Assam: 6
Uttar Pradesh: 2
Delhi: 2
Bangladesh: 5
Dignitaries Present:
Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha
MLA Mina Rani Sarkar
Prominent Writer and Researcher of Bangladesh Subhash Singh Roy
Secretary of Information and Culture Department Dr. P. K. Chakraborty
Hon’ble Deputy Speaker of Tripura Legislative Assembly Ram Prasad Pal
Hon’ble Chief Whip of Tripura Legislative Assembly and MLA Kalyani Roy
Hon’ble Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) Dipak Majumder
Bangladesh High Commission, Assistant High Commissioner Arif Mohammad
Cultural Programs: The fair will feature daily cultural programs, continuing the tradition of previous years.
Key Highlights:
Chief Minister’s Emphasis on Reading: The Chief Minister highlighted the enduring value of books and encouraged giving books as gifts to support the literary community.
Historical Connection with Bangladesh: Subhash Singh Roy expressed gratitude for India’s support during Bangladesh’s liberation war, acknowledging Agartala’s significant role.
Expansion of the Fair: The number of stalls has increased from 180 in the previous year to 191, indicating growing participation and interest.
Unveiling of Book Souvenir: The Chief Minister, along with other dignitaries, unveiled the book souvenir titled “Gomati” during the inaugural ceremony.
The 42nd Agartala Book Fair aims to bring together book lovers, foster a reading culture, and celebrate the rich literary heritage of India. The fair is expected to attract a large number of visitors and provide a platform for authors, publishers, and readers to engage and share their love for books.
MCQ
1.When was the 42nd Agartala Book Fair inaugurated?
A. February 20, 2024
B. February 21, 2024
C. February 22, 2024
D. February 23, 2024
Answer: B. February 21, 2024
2.Who inaugurated the 42nd Agartala Book Fair?
A. MLA Mina Rani Sarkar
B. Prominent Writer Subhash Singh Roy
C. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha
D. Secretary Dr. P. K. Chakraborty
Answer: C. Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha
3.What is the theme of the 42nd Agartala Book Fair?
A. “Incredible India”
B. “Reading for All”
C. “Bhavya Bharat”
D. “Books for the Future”
Answer: C. “Bhavya Bharat”
4.What are the fair timings on regular days?
A. 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
B. 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM
C. 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM
D. 3:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Answer: C. 2:30 PM to 9:00 PM
5.How many stalls are there in total at the 42nd Agartala Book Fair?
A. 180
B. 191
C. 200
D. 210
Answer: B. 191
6.How many stalls are from Tripura at the 42nd Agartala Book Fair?
A. 110
B. 66
C. 6
D. 2
Answer: A. 110
7.Which neighboring country has stalls at the fair?
A. Nepal
B. Bhutan
C. Bangladesh
D. Sri Lanka
Answer: C. Bangladesh
8.What is the name of the book souvenir unveiled at the fair?
A. “Gomati”
B. “Agartala Anthology”
C. “Bhavya Bharat”
D. “Tripura Tales”
Answer: A. “Gomati”
9.Who is the Secretary of the Information and Culture Department present at the fair?
A. Dr. Manik Saha
B. Dr. P. K. Chakraborty
C. Ram Prasad Pal
D. Kalyani Roy
Answer: B. Dr. P. K. Chakraborty
10.What is the duration of the 42nd Agartala Book Fair?
A. February 21 to February 28, 2024
B. February 21 to March 3, 2024
C. February 21 to March 5, 2024
D. February 21 to March 10, 2024
Answer: C. February 21 to March 5, 2024
11.Which dignitary from Bangladesh attended the fair?
A. Subhash Singh Roy
B. Arif Mohammad
C. Dipak Majumder
D. Kalyani Roy
Answer: B. Arif Mohammad
12.Who is the prominent writer and researcher from Bangladesh present at the event?
A. Subhash Singh Roy
B. Ram Prasad Pal
C. Kalyani Roy
D. Dipak Majumder
Answer: A. Subhash Singh Roy
13.What time does the fair open on holidays?
A. 12:00 PM
B. 1:00 PM
C. 2:00 PM
D. 3:00 PM
Answer: C. 2:00 PM
14,How many stalls are from West Bengal?
A. 66
B. 110
C. 5
D. 6
Answer: A. 66
15.Who is the Hon’ble Deputy Speaker of the Tripura Legislative Assembly present at the event?
A. Mina Rani Sarkar
B. Ram Prasad Pal
C. Kalyani Roy
D. Dipak Majumder
Answer: B. Ram Prasad Pal
16.How many stalls are there from Assam?
A. 5
B. 2
C. 6
D. 10
Answer: C. 6
17.Who is the Hon’ble Mayor of Agartala Municipal Corporation (AMC) present at the event?
A. Dipak Majumder
B. Ram Prasad Pal
C. Kalyani Roy
D. Mina Rani Sarkar
Answer: A. Dipak Majumder
18.What key point did the Chief Minister emphasize in his inaugural speech?
A. Digital reading
B. The irreplaceable value of books
C. Expansion of the fair
D. Online donations
Answer: B. The irreplaceable value of books
19.Who expressed gratitude for India’s support during Bangladesh’s liberation war?
A. Ram Prasad Pal
B. Subhash Singh Roy
C. Arif Mohammad
D. Kalyani Roy
Answer: B. Subhash Singh Roy
20.How many stalls are from Uttar Pradesh at the fair?
A. 6
B. 2
C. 5
D. 10
Answer: B. 2
