Imphal Book Fair winds up
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 24 2023: Commenting on the importance of books, DM University Vice Chancellor Professor Nongmaithem Rajmuhon Singh has asserted that the internet cannot replace books.

Speaking at the closing function of the 10-day 29th Imphal Book Fair, 2022 organised by State Central Library, Imphal in association with Raja Rammohun Roy Library Foundation, Kolkata and the Ministry of Culture, Govt of India at Tiddim Road Athletic Union (TRAU) ground, Rajmuhon Singh stated that the internet has brought the entire world in the palm of one's hands and made it possible for people to learn about any number of things.

"However, the internet will never replace books despite its many advantages", he maintained.

The VC also spoke about the necessity to introduce valuable books to young kids and expressed concern over absence of morality and discipline among young students.

He also lauded the contribution of Manipuris in the field of science and technology aside from sports and culture.

"Manipur has a lot of talent, potential and creativity.

In order to properly harness and promote these human resources it is necessary to set up more libraries", he opined.

Commissioner of Art and Culture M Joy also addressed the gathering and stated that the main goal of the book fair is to inculcate reading habit among young people.

Maintaining that libraries are fountains of knowledge, he asserted that to bring about a 'library movement', people first need to procure books.

He stated that in order to inculcate reading habit, parents and teachers create an environment that promotes reading.

In this regard he added that in order to promote libraries in schools and colleges, provisions must be enacted to ensure that such institutions purchase a certain amount of books for their libraries annually.

He suggested that the State Government should create a special fund for this purpose so that such educational institutions can purchase books liberally during the annual book fair and promote better reading habits among their students.

As a part of the function, prizes were distributed to winners of a painting competition held during the book fair.

T Phulen Singh, general secretary, TRAU graced the event as guest of honour.

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