[Assam] Turning the pages-Nandita Deka (The Assam Tribune, 16.12.2007)

[Buljit Buragohain]

Sunday morning, up with the lark.
I think I will take a walk in the park. 
Hey, Hey, Hey, it’s a beautiful day,
Beautiful Sunday...
Somethings never change, like this song which Dad frequently plays on his ancient music system or the taste of my mom’s chocolate cake. And something which they had started years back and has stilll remained as a ritual is the much awaited trip to the book fair every winter. This yearly event had presented me with two things in life that I had irrevocably fallen in love with-reading and drinking coffee, With hands full of classics like Black Beauty, Famous Five books and Betty and Veronica double digests, I had my first sip of coffee at a fair, many winters ago and then, I thought Enid Blyton was the greatest writer. Now, as Marquez and Neruda take Blyton’s place, the addiction still remains.
 An interest moulded at an impressionable age lasts a lifetime. Such thoughts were also echoed by litterateur and peace activist Mamoni Raisom Goswami while inaugurating the 9th North East Book Fair on December 7. She believes literature has a great unifying force and it can act as a catalyst amidst the diversity prevailing in our region. And, as there is an ever increasing conciousness about the North East and its people, we should be able to acquaint others with our culture through our literary endeavours. She reckons, “Efforts should be directed towards undertaking translation work and producing more literature for children. And such fairs should be held more frequently and most of all, we should read the literature produced in the North East itself.”
 The book fair has been organised by the All Assam Publishers and Booksellers Association, which was started in the year 1972. Now headed by men like Giripada Dev Choudhury as its President and Haren Kalita as general secretary, this association’s untiring efforts find expression in this book fair which is in its ninth year of existence. Recalling the initial days of this venture, Haren Kalita says,” We wanted to provide a platform for our local publishers and the various publishers and booksellers strewn across the Indian sub-continent to come and illuminate the minds of our denizens. We had some good contacts with publishers in Kolkata and Delhi, who readily accepted our offer and thus the North East Book Fair was started.” And it has sustained itself against all odds. One of the biggest challenges has been that of choosing the perfect venue which would be convenient for all. The Judges Field seems to be the obvious answer but as it is not being allotted due to security
 reasons, they had to think of alternatives. Amidst much speculation and apprehension, Sonaram playground was chosen. Putting aside all queries about the distance to be travelled and where to park, reluctant book lovers finally thronged the fair and the numbers are increasing. Such is the allurement of books that they reportedly have book buffs waiting for them to open up the gates every morning. People, it seems, don’t mind walking that extra mile to buy books but mixed reactions were also encountered. Upasana Baruah, a resident of Ganeshguri complains, “I travel by public transport and it’s a long route and even though I want to take my child Ruhi along; it will be cumbersome.” Residents of places like RG Baruah Road, Beltola and Dispur agreed with her. But with dailies reporting the ascent of footfalls in the Sonaram playground,the organisers are beaming.
 Apart from the roaring business scene, another emerging trend is the kind of participation the book fair has generated. What kept visitors busy was not only the bestsellers on the shelves. The eclectic mix of competitions, seminars and cultural programmes helped in exercising the grey cells and provide unadulterated entertainment. The literary output has increased manifold and it could be ascertained by the number of book releases at the fair. And this Sunday has been dedicated to children, encouraging them to paint the town red with their good cheer. If you have a kid at home, be sure to take him or her to the fair today because it promises to bring out the best in every child – whatever his forte lies in. Kids will dabble in colours and other activities like theatre, besides interacting with their counterparts from Raha who will perform Akonir Kobita Ghor. Poetry seems to be the flavour of the season as verses in twelve languages were recited in the Multilingual Poets
 Seminar. Verses which trancended the boundaries of language warmed up convivial spirits that chilly December evening. Interactive seminars on thought provoking issues such as spreading awareness on Majuli, problems and prospects of empowering Northeastern women and the role of the teacher and the guardian in education were highlights of the fair. Educational institutions of the city also participated in large numbers. From schools like South Point to colleges like Cotton, Pragjyjotish and KC Das Commerce College, students left an indelible mark on the audience with their talents on display.
 Now, let’s take a whirlwind tour of the ambience at the fair this year. Everyone seems to be rifling through pages, reading introductions so as to decide whether to buy or not, the mind boggling number of colouring books that have been sold makes one wonder how many Van Goghs are in the making. Youngsters buying SMS pocket books and punching away on the keys of their cell phones and homemakers asking their husbands whether to buy Tarla Dalal or Nina Mehta’s cook books and aged people buying their religious books. There’s something for everyone.
 The local publishers like Bani Prakashan, Banalata and others have released new editions and books by best selling authors. Some much sought after books include Dr Hiren Gohain’s autobiography, Kanchan Bora’s novels, Anuradha Sarma Pujari’s diary and Bhabendranath Saikia’s stories, and the highly acclaimed Atulananda Goswami’s Seneh Jorir Gothi. The little ones were presented with a rare treat of stories by Guwahati Sadhu Ghar with an array of story books in four languages and the Desh Bideshor Lok Katha series based on folklores from all over the world and timeless classics by Anwesha. Educational CDs were up for grabs, along with DVDs of popular films. And after doing all that shopping, if you are short of change, rush to the RBI stall at the venue. This stall has also been spreading awareness about the authenticity of your notes, along with change for your notes.
 “I have bought my course books along with a novel by my favourite author – Saheb Purar Borokhun by Anuradha Sarma Pujari,” said Kaku Barman, a student of Assamese literature.
 So, take a trip through the book fair, joining Tintin in his adventures, laugh at Khushwant Singh’s antics, grab a Sidney Sheldon or experience Gauhati University in Urmila Doley’s recent novel or flip through your idol’s biograpy. And don’t forget to savour a cup of coffee and be happy about a Sunday well spent, enriching your senses.

Nandita Deka 
(The Assam Tribune,16.12.2007)


       
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