Sunday morning, up with the lark.
I think I will take a walk in the park.
Hey, Hey, Hey, its a beautiful day,
Beautiful Sunday...
Somethings never change, like this song which Dad frequently plays on his
ancient music system or the taste of my moms chocolate cake. And something
which they had started years back and has stilll remained as a ritual is the
much awaited trip to the book fair every winter. This yearly event had
presented me with two things in life that I had irrevocably fallen in love
with-reading and drinking coffee, With hands full of classics like Black
Beauty, Famous Five books and Betty and Veronica double digests, I had my first
sip of coffee at a fair, many winters ago and then, I thought Enid Blyton was
the greatest writer. Now, as Marquez and Neruda take Blytons place, the
addiction still remains.
An interest moulded at an impressionable age lasts a lifetime. Such thoughts
were also echoed by litterateur and peace activist Mamoni Raisom Goswami while
inaugurating the 9th North East Book Fair on December 7. She believes
literature has a great unifying force and it can act as a catalyst amidst the
diversity prevailing in our region. And, as there is an ever increasing
conciousness about the North East and its people, we should be able to acquaint
others with our culture through our literary endeavours. She reckons, Efforts
should be directed towards undertaking translation work and producing more
literature for children. And such fairs should be held more frequently and most
of all, we should read the literature produced in the North East itself.
The book fair has been organised by the All Assam Publishers and Booksellers
Association, which was started in the year 1972. Now headed by men like
Giripada Dev Choudhury as its President and Haren Kalita as general secretary,
this associations untiring efforts find expression in this book fair which is
in its ninth year of existence. Recalling the initial days of this venture,
Haren Kalita says, We wanted to provide a platform for our local publishers
and the various publishers and booksellers strewn across the Indian
sub-continent to come and illuminate the minds of our denizens. We had some
good contacts with publishers in Kolkata and Delhi, who readily accepted our
offer and thus the North East Book Fair was started. And it has sustained
itself against all odds. One of the biggest challenges has been that of
choosing the perfect venue which would be convenient for all. The Judges Field
seems to be the obvious answer but as it is not being allotted due to security
reasons, they had to think of alternatives. Amidst much speculation and
apprehension, Sonaram playground was chosen. Putting aside all queries about
the distance to be travelled and where to park, reluctant book lovers finally
thronged the fair and the numbers are increasing. Such is the allurement of
books that they reportedly have book buffs waiting for them to open up the
gates every morning. People, it seems, dont mind walking that extra mile to
buy books but mixed reactions were also encountered. Upasana Baruah, a resident
of Ganeshguri complains, I travel by public transport and its a long route
and even though I want to take my child Ruhi along; it will be cumbersome.
Residents of places like RG Baruah Road, Beltola and Dispur agreed with her.
But with dailies reporting the ascent of footfalls in the Sonaram
playground,the organisers are beaming.
Apart from the roaring business scene, another emerging trend is the kind of
participation the book fair has generated. What kept visitors busy was not only
the bestsellers on the shelves. The eclectic mix of competitions, seminars and
cultural programmes helped in exercising the grey cells and provide
unadulterated entertainment. The literary output has increased manifold and it
could be ascertained by the number of book releases at the fair. And this
Sunday has been dedicated to children, encouraging them to paint the town red
with their good cheer. If you have a kid at home, be sure to take him or her to
the fair today because it promises to bring out the best in every child
whatever his forte lies in. Kids will dabble in colours and other activities
like theatre, besides interacting with their counterparts from Raha who will
perform Akonir Kobita Ghor. Poetry seems to be the flavour of the season as
verses in twelve languages were recited in the Multilingual Poets
Seminar. Verses which trancended the boundaries of language warmed up
convivial spirits that chilly December evening. Interactive seminars on thought
provoking issues such as spreading awareness on Majuli, problems and prospects
of empowering Northeastern women and the role of the teacher and the guardian
in education were highlights of the fair. Educational institutions of the city
also participated in large numbers. From schools like South Point to colleges
like Cotton, Pragjyjotish and KC Das Commerce College, students left an
indelible mark on the audience with their talents on display.
Now, lets take a whirlwind tour of the ambience at the fair this year.
Everyone seems to be rifling through pages, reading introductions so as to
decide whether to buy or not, the mind boggling number of colouring books that
have been sold makes one wonder how many Van Goghs are in the making.
Youngsters buying SMS pocket books and punching away on the keys of their cell
phones and homemakers asking their husbands whether to buy Tarla Dalal or Nina
Mehtas cook books and aged people buying their religious books. Theres
something for everyone.
The local publishers like Bani Prakashan, Banalata and others have released
new editions and books by best selling authors. Some much sought after books
include Dr Hiren Gohains autobiography, Kanchan Boras novels, Anuradha Sarma
Pujaris diary and Bhabendranath Saikias stories, and the highly acclaimed
Atulananda Goswamis Seneh Jorir Gothi. The little ones were presented with a
rare treat of stories by Guwahati Sadhu Ghar with an array of story books in
four languages and the Desh Bideshor Lok Katha series based on folklores from
all over the world and timeless classics by Anwesha. Educational CDs were up
for grabs, along with DVDs of popular films. And after doing all that shopping,
if you are short of change, rush to the RBI stall at the venue. This stall has
also been spreading awareness about the authenticity of your notes, along with
change for your notes.
I have bought my course books along with a novel by my favourite author
Saheb Purar Borokhun by Anuradha Sarma Pujari, said Kaku Barman, a student of
Assamese literature.
So, take a trip through the book fair, joining Tintin in his adventures, laugh
at Khushwant Singhs antics, grab a Sidney Sheldon or experience Gauhati
University in Urmila Doleys recent novel or flip through your idols biograpy.
And dont forget to savour a cup of coffee and be happy about a Sunday well
spent, enriching your senses.
Nandita Deka
(The Assam Tribune,16.12.2007)
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