Organizing a book fair during the ongoing unrest situation of Manipur symbolizes resilience, hope, enduring power of knowledge and holds profound significance amidst chaos. Celebration of literature, culture and knowledge as apart of the fair offers countless benefits to individuals and communities. Its importance extends across educational, cultural and social dimensions as it is a cultural and intellectual hub that uplifts communities and individuals.
The 31st Edition of Imphal Book Fair 2024 was held at State Central Library, Imphal being organized by State Central Library, Imphal, Department of Art and Culture, Government of Manipur in collaboration with Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata, Ministry of Culture, Government of India from 15th to 24th December, 2024. Book release function, career counseling, meet the folk artistes, painting competition, quiz program, interaction program-reader/author/publisher etc. were also part of the 10 day long fair. Around 72 book stalls which include 21 local publishers and 11 from outside the state were participated in the fair. A wide range of books of different genres were available in the stalls with 15 percent discount.
On interacting with IRAP different individuals, participants and visitors of the fair expresses mixed views and opinions regarding the fair. Mr. Beeshantam Yumnam, proprietor of Books and Coffee, Singjamei Thokchom Leikai, Imphal West stated that he have been participating the book fair since 2013. As compared to the last year fair, this year witnessed less number of visitors. The reason might be the financial problem because of the unrest situation prevailing in the state. Most of the visitors loved to purchase motivational books for their children. Mentioning about the emerging trends of pirated books, he expressed that many pirated books are available at many of the book stalls with 60-70 percent lesser than the original price. T
his effect the business of the book stalls who sells genuine and original books. He appeals readers to identify the books before buying. On his message to the readers, he expressed that once a reader starts reading any book from any genre will feel like reading more books in his or her life. Once the reader grabs the habit of reading he/she will spontaneously explores reading more books. The most important thing is the desire to enter into the well of knowledge. Reading book has more advantages than watching movies as it creates an imaginative power to the readers with a different taste.
Keeping his views, Dr. Y. Kunjabihari, Former General Secretary of Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, Kongba Makha Nandeibam Leikai, Imphal states that the Parishad has been participating the book fair every year which was organized at different places at Imphal. This time the venue seems to be somewhat congested for the book stalls and visitors too. As compared to the previous years, the 31st edition of Imphal Book fair experienced decline in sales because of the ongoing conflict in the state which severely affect the economic conditions of the people and as many students are at different relief camps, he opined. He further narrated that the book fair provides a platform to learn more on literature, culture, history and others as the fair incorporate many programs such as book release function, meet the artistes, meet the authors etc. As the fair provide an opportunity to promote Manipuri literature, it will be happy for the Parishad if the fair could be organized two or three times a year. Moreover if authority could arrange more discounts on purchasing of books and lower the rate of stall fee it would be more appreciated.
Dr. Kunjabihari appeals the young generation to divert their minds from using mobile to read good books which will help in shaping their careers. As many of the books on Manipuri literate and others are in Bengali script, the younger generations are not in a position to read it. Keeping in view of this, if the concerned authorities could put more efforts in publishing many books including the Royal Chronicles in Meetei Mayek script it will help the younger generation to know more about it. Pointing out a major challenge by the authors, he said that it is more expensive for the authors to publish a book in both script as to double the number of pages with few number of buyers. He appeals the people to cultivate the habit of reading and support the authors so that they can produce more books and inspires new writers in promoting the Manipuri literature.
On interacting with, H. Lanchenbi, a student of class XI shares with joy that it is her first experience to visit a book fair in her life. In the book fair she could find a variety of books which she did not seen before. She finds many books that suited her apart from the school textbooks. She purchased thought provoking and motivational books. She requested the concerned authorities to publish more books on Manipuri literature in Meetei Mayek script so that the younger generations could explore more.
Another visitor of the fair, Baby Tahenbi Leishangthem (5years) of Wangkhei Thangjam Leikai, Imphal East narrated that this is her first visit to a book fair in her life. She expressed that she felt so happy and excited to see many children related books and other stationery items in the fair. Her parents purchased two books –one comic and one drawing book and a pencil box. And moreover, it is more enjoyable to visit the fair with my family after her examination.
Talking with one of the parent who visited the fair said that its make feel happy to take his children to the fair which help in boosting up the academic knowledge, hope and other countless benefits during this turmoil situation of Manipur. It finds a right place to recreate and hang out with the family after their final examinations as they find other places unsafe for enjoyment since 3rd May, 2023. It also helps in exploring different genres of books for his children. Apart from educational benefit, it creates a platform of mental recreation and ignites the young minds to focus more on academics. He also expressed his desire to give more discount particularly for students and to organize the fair twice a year. It will more comfortable to organize such fair in a spacious place and it will be more attractive if it adds more children oriented programs, he opined.
In the present unrest situation of Manipur, book fairs can be organized to focus on peace-theme literature, creating avenues for dialogue among communities and promoting harmony and peace in the state. As for example Kashmir Literature Festival (2011) was organized to promote dialogue between communities through books and arts and included peace-themed literature and discussions on coexistence. The Baghdad International Book Fair 2007 edition symbolized resilience and cultural revival as it aimed to rebuild connections among communities and the global literary communities and many more. With a firm believe that the power of literature and story telling can promote healing, understanding and reconciliation among divided communities in Manipur.
