Dr Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture & Tourism inaugurates Noida-Greater Book Fair
GREATER NOIDA LOKESH GOSWAMI
“Without knowledge, one cannot attain salvation,’ said Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State for Culture & Tourism (Independent Charge) while inaugurating the Noida-Greater Noida Book Fair. The book fair is being organised by National Book Trust, India at India Expo Centre, Greater Noida from 12 to 18 September 2016.Dr Mahesh Sharma added that the books open up the door of development. Therefore, it is important to spread the culture of reading good books across the society. He also appreciated National Book Trust, India’s role in promoting Indian culture through books.Reflecting upon the importance of books, Dr Mahesh Sharma said that books changes the course of life and guide people in distress to take the right course. He urged people to be a part of this book fair to gain knowledge through books.Shri N P Singh, District Magistrate, Gautam Buddha Nagar was the chief guest on the occasion. He observed that our ancient texts are the basis of our culture and knowledge.They have played a significant role in passing wisdom from generation to generation.Earlier, Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma, Chairman, NBT welcomed the guests. He opined that the habit of reading has not diminished as a large number of people enthusiastically participate in the book fairs and mobile exhibitions being organised in different corners of the country.He also informed that NBT has come up with two new series namely ‘Veergatha’ series on Paramveer Chakra awardees and ‘Women Pioneer’ series on great women activists.Dr. Rita Chowdhury Director NBT was present at the inauguration function.Shri Dr K Srinivas Rao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi; Shri Sudeep Sarkar, Vice President, IEML and Shri Satish Kumar, Joint Director, NBT also spoke on the occasion.More than 100 publishers, distributors and booksellers are participating in the book fair and are displaying books on all subjects and genre. The books are available in English, Hindi,Urdu and other languages as well. A discount of 10% on the sale of all books, and specialdiscount will be given on library purchases. The entry to the book fair is FREE.
