Mangalore: Treat for bookworms as NBT fair opens in city
Pics: Dayanada Kukkaje
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (DV)
Mangalore, Jan 4: "Dakshina Kannada is a district of intellectuals with cent percent literacy rate. After 13 years the NBT book fair has come to the district. Evolution of knowledge in man takes places when he tours the world by reading books. Habit of reading increases one's wit and also improve one's vocabulary," said Ramanath Rai, district incharge and minister for forest, ecology and environment.
He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the National Book Trust (NBT), Mangalore book fair held in collaboration with Konkani Language and Culture Foundation at Nehru Maidan here on Saturday January 4.
He further said, "Contribution of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru through the NBT was immense. Nehru was in prision for 5 years for the sake of achieving freedom. Today, a few hesitate to call this ground Nehru Maidan and instead they call it ‘Central Maidan’. They are trying to twist history, hence reading will help them to learn. Everybody should follow the ideology of truth and righteousness. We should never hesitate to talk the truth."
MLA J R Lobo said, "Books are like good friends but in the present modern day people are moving away from books and getting closer to mobile phones and television. Moreover, extra-circular activities have also reduced. We need to imbibe reading habits in our children. A book is a medium for a writer to express his thoughts. Reading habit should be encouraged in school children."
President of World Konkani Centre Basti Vaman Shenoy said, "Nehru was not only a freedom fighter but also a good writer. During my childhood days I read his books such as 'The Discovery of India' and 'Glimpses of World History'. Interest in reading will also encourage publisher and writers."
Pradeep Kumar Kalkura said, "Teachers should bring their school children to this book fair and parents should create awareness among children on the advantages of reading books."
Around 40 publishers and book sellers from all over India are taking part in the NBT Mangalore book fair.
H Nagaraj, editor of Kannada National Book Trust welcomed the gathering. K Gokuldas Prabhu thanked.
Amith Karki was present on this occasion.
The book fair will be open till January 12.