Encouraged by the good response for its previous book fairs, Srushti Ventures is hosting a three-day ‘Pustaka Parishe’ (book fair) from December 7 at National College Ground in Basavanagudi. Book lovers can donate books or pick a book from the fair free of cost.
This year, it aims to display over 25 lakh books on various subjects. Besides, arrangements have been made to put up 150 stalls to encourage Kannada writers/publishers exhibit and sell their publications on December 8 and 9.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate the fair on December 7. Several dignitaries including writer Chandrashekar Kambar, Kannada and Culture Minister Umashree and Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy are expected to participate.
Supported by the Department of Kannada and Culture Department, the fair will run from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Literary and cultural programme will be held on all three days. Various government departments will exhibit their schemes and programmes in ‘awareness stalls’ at the venue.
Giving details of the fair at a press conference here on Monday, secretary of Srushti Venture Nagaraj Navunda said that the book fair was aimed at creating awareness among public on books and to encourage the habit of reading. “Last year, we displayed over 20 lakh books and this time we have planned to collect 5 lakh more books. Already we have collected 9 lakh books. Over 2.5 lakh people are expected to visit this fair,” he said.
Entry is free. On the last two days, writers and publishers will sell their publications.
Cultural organiser of the event, Narahari Dixit, said seminars and cultural programmes such as Sugama Sangeet and folk songs have been organised. “We are providing platform for upcoming and rural artistes to exhibit their talents. ‘Whistle music’ by Madhava Bhat will be one of attractions of the cultural programme this year,” he said.
Honorary president of the fair Siddalingaiah said the fair would be an opportunity for writers, publishers, artistes and public to come together to interact with them. Those who wish to donate the books can call 9945003479 or 9916406585.