Mamata Banerjee Highlights Netaji's German Ties at Kolkata Book Fair
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Synopsis
At the 48th Kolkata International Book Fair, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reflected on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's connections with Germany, emphasizing the importance of his legacy and the permanent venue for the event, aiming to inspire more people to appreciate reading.
Key Takeaways
- Mamata Banerjee recalls Netaji's ties with Germany.
- Germany is the theme country for this year's fair.
- The event now has a permanent venue.
- Last year saw record attendance.
- Publishers from Bangladesh will not attend due to political issues.
Kolkata, Jan 28 (NationPress) During the opening ceremony of the 48th Kolkata International Book Fair on Tuesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reflected on the ties between Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose and Germany.
“The primary link that unites Germany with India and Bengal is Netaji. His daughter still resides there. I had the chance to meet her once. The struggle Netaji undertook for the nation’s independence should always be honored. Our nation is a mosaic of various religions and languages, each holding respect for one another,” the Chief Minister remarked during the event’s inauguration.
This year, Germany serves as the theme country for the fair, as the Kolkata Book Fair was initiated in 1976, inspired by the inaugural book fair held in Frankfurt, Germany, in 1949.
The Chief Minister took pride in her administration for securing a permanent location for this annual gathering.
“In the past, the venue was provisional, leading to annual uncertainties and tensions regarding its location. Now, we have established a permanent site for the event,” she stated.
She also emphasized that despite the prevailing digital trends, the populace's passion for reading remains strong.
“Last year, we witnessed an impressive turnout of 3 million attendees. We are optimistic that this year’s numbers will exceed that record. Books should not merely adorn shelves; they should enrich your heart. I aspire for more individuals to embrace reading, allowing the Kolkata Book Fair to prosper further,” she added.
The concluding day of this year’s event is set for February 9. Unlike previous years, publishers from Bangladesh will not participate this time due to the ongoing political turmoil there.
