It was paradise for book lovers, who not only gave books as gifts, but also received them in turn. A creative initiative aimed at increasing readership amongst all age groups, Rangoli Metro Art Centre on Sunday organised a book exhibition to mark birth anniversary of Jnanpith award winner and Kannada writer the late Kuvempu.
The exhibition, which was inaugurated by Jnanpith award winner U.R. Ananthmurthy, stood out as it allowed people to gift, exchange and take home books that they fancy. Around 1,000 books of English, Kannada and Hindi were contributed by people from far and near. People of different background were spotted musing over the books. One of the very first people to arrive at the venue was 14-year-old Ranjana Gowda alongside her father. She was one amongst a few avid contributors from her age group. Ranjana claimed that she was a voracious reader of books of all kinds and that she was hoping to meet people who share her interest at the event.
48-year-old publisher, Sridhar, a volunteer at the exhibition, said exhibitions of this kind can be held at schools, colleges and even bus stops or railway stations.
Surekha (48), curator of the Rangoli Metro Art Center and an artist, said: “Over 200 people pass by everyday. We are hoping to create an interest in reading in at least some of them. ”
