AMRITSAR: “Books are the treasure-trove of knowledge and we must make them an integral part of our life”, said Governor Punjab Banwarilal Purohit who inaugurated the nine-day-long Literary Festival and Book Fair-2022 at the historic Khalsa College campus here today. He said books open new vistas in our lives and to make it more meaningful and successful in a real sense we need to befriend with books.
Governor Prohit who reached the heritage campus to a warm welcome by the College management and staff as he took the tour to the grand book exhibition panorama wherein more than 100 publishers have installed 102 stalls of the books of varied nature. The exhibition is being organized at the College in collaboration with National Book Trust (NBT), the wing of the Ministry of Education, Government of India.
While addressing the packed house of thousands of audience including students, literary enthusiasts, academicians and book lovers, Prohit said that books strengthen the mental ability of the readers and as such everybody should read more and more books. “The joy of reading can not be replaced by the computer, mobile or other electronic gadgets' ', said he.
He added that Khalsa College has carried forward its legacy of rich heritage by organizing this grand event of literature and books. Khalsa College Governing Council (KCGC) President Satyajit Singh Majithia, honourary secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina, Director, NBT, Yuvraj Malik and Principal Dr. Mehal earlier welcomed him while appreciating the NBT’s move to organize the national level event here.
Chhina in his address said that since its inception Khalsa College remained the central place of literacy activities and will always do its best to connect the students and new generations to their rich heritage. Apart from the exhibition of lakhs of books, cultural programs, flower shows, workshops and literary activities including seminars and discussions would be major attractions, he said. He thanked NBT for inculcating the spirit of reading books amongst youngsters.
Yograj Malik said that the motive to organize the event was to highlight the significance of books in our lives and connect the youth with literature. He said books of all kinds and various languages will be available in the festivals that will culminate on March 13. He expected a large number of visitors during the festivals as books will be available at heavy discounts.
Principal Dr. Mehal Singh said that Punjab Art Council Chandigarh, Punjabi Academy, Delhi and Punjabi University, Patiala and National Book Trust (MBT), Ministry of Education, Government of India has always supported the efforts of organizing literary festivals. He emphasized that since its establishment Khalsa College has been committed to the development and promotion of Punjab language. This literary festival and book fair is one step forward towards our commitment, said Dr.Atam Randhawa, Head of Department of Punjabi Studies, Khalsa College.
Dr. Surjit Patar, Chairperson, Punjab Arts Council also shared his views on book reading, heritage and culture of Punjab with the audience.