Shillong, Oct 07: The Shillong Book Fair, organized by the National Book Trust under the Ministry of Education, Government of India, continued to captivate book lovers on its third day. Held at the State Central Library, the event offered an engaging blend of literary exploration, digital learning, and cultural festivities.
The wide range of books on display continued to attract diverse interests, including a strong response to the animanga genre. Jordan Nongsiej, a Class VIII student, was among those drawn to the anime book stalls.
“I am a big fan of anime. I love Studio Ghibli. I will check out a few books and might also buy,” he shared, highlighting the fair’s appeal to young enthusiasts.
A key focus of the day was the fun-filled informative session on Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya, first-of-its-kind digital library platform introduced by the Ministry of Education.
Young participants eagerly explored the app’s features, discovering new ways to access a vast collection of digital resources. The session provided an opportunity for students to deepen their understanding of this innovative virtual library.
The children’s corner was buzzing with excitement, hosting over 400 participants from various schools. The day kicked off with Swirl and Style, a cursive writing workshop led by Ms. Kasturi Sharma, where students honed their writing skills. The fair’s selfie points also became popular spots, capturing the cheery smiles and excitement of young visitors throughout the day.
To add a dynamic twist to the event, the fair featured a brief self-defence session led by Shubham Adhikari and other members of the Meghalaya Taekwondo Association. The young participants were taught basic self-defence moves.
With six-year-old Master Rudra Vir Chettri impressing the audience with his skills. DaiahunKhyriem, a Class VIII student and NCC cadet, found the session particularly valuable. “Self-defence is an important component of our daily life; we all should know the basics,” said the avid reader.
The day’s activities wrapped up with a lively cultural session, featuring traditional dance performances, including a Garo dance, and a captivating musical set by the renowned folk and fusion group Mookhuri. The evening performances added a festive spirit, making the book fair a truly memorable experience for all.
The fourth day of the Shillong Book Fair (October 8, 2024) promises more enriching activities, starting with a Musical Storytelling session, a Portrait Making Workshop, and another orientation on Rashtriya e-Pustakalaya.
A book discussion on Elements of Buddhist Iconography will be held in the afternoon, offering literary enthusiasts a chance to delve into historical and cultural topics.
The day will conclude with lively music from the Pynter Orchestra Group and a performance by Kupar Shadap’s band, ensuring a vibrant end to the day’s events.
