Governor Acharya Devvrat inaugurated the International Book Fair organized jointly by OKARD NGO, Language & Culture Department and Himachal Kala Academy at historic Gaiety Theatre here on Saturday.
The Governor visited all the stalls exhibited in the fair and took keen interest in books. He said books are centre of knowledge and give us contemplation, knowledge and understanding. He expressed concern that the young generation is not so keen on reading books as they are now relying more on modern technology. He added that books are our real friends which help us to improve our knowledge and understanding and such book fairs are always helpful in generating interest in reading books among the younger generation.
Acharya Devvrat congratulated the organizers for organising this book fair and said that it is a matter of great pleasure that books of Mongolia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina have also been introduced to bring novelty to this fair. Apart from this, it is also praiseworthy that painting of the heritage buildings of Shimla is being done by ten students of Art College, Chaura Maidan (Shimla). He also interacted with these students.
He interacted with Pandit Devi Ram, the scholar of Sancha Vidya, who has deep knowledge of Pandu script and also possess the knowledge of astrology. He acquired the information about the books at the stalls of Vani Prakashan, Pratishruti Prakashan, Kavita publication and language, art, culture academy and Genius publication etc.
Secretary, Language, Art and Culture Dr. Purnima Chauhan gave information related to the book fair to the Governor.
Director, Department of Languages, Arts and Culture Kumud Sen was also present on the occasion.