KOLKATA, Feb 2: The Arunachal Pradesh stall at the ongoing 44th International Kolkata Book Fair 2020 with an interior decoration themed “Cultural Heritage of Arunachal Pradesh” that amply reflects the high cultural quotient of the state’s ethnic people is stealing the show, just like its previous appearances.

Eminent Bengali novelist and litterateur Swapnamoy Chakraborty released four new titles while Deputy Resident Commissioner, Kolkata Subhasish Nath formally inaugurated the Arunachal stall in the ‘Girish Karnad Hall’ of the fair as Chief Guest. The released titles are -A Dictionary of Adi Language by Kabuk Pertin, NYIBU : Ritual Specialist of the Apatanis by Dr. Radhe Yampi, Lullabies of Arunachal Pradesh : A Window to Human Mind  by R. N. Koley & Dr. Radhe Yampi andWomen Empowerment among the Tagins by Mari Gibi.  Another book  titled State Museum : A Treasure House of Arunachal Pradesh Cultural Heritage by Dr. S. K. Ghosh was also relaunched as priced reprinted edition.

Chakraborty lauded the Research Department of GoAP for   reflecting Arunachal Pradesh to the outside world through these precious publications that portray the   unique heterogeneous culture of the state. “A state of treasure especially that of oral literature which must be documented for future generation. The state is a precious garland named India and our harmony should be preserved for continuity. I convey my heartiest  appreciation to the department,” he said. Guest of Honour and internationally reputed journalist and writer Arup Basu remarked “Arunachal Pradesh is the only government stall besides West Bengal that has participated with books which are the outcomes of diligent field research works and hence deserve appreciation.” 

Earlier, Director of Research Batem Pertin briefed about the four books which were released on Saturday and conveyed gratefulness to the guests for their presence. To create an Arunachalee ambience in the stall, Aditi Sinha Roy, a teacher in a government school in Arunachal Pradesh presented a melodious Adi song. Among others Utpal Das, Film Director, Media representative Puspal Roy and participants Sanjay Chanda & R. N. Koley were  also present during  the book release ceremony. In a communiqué, the Director of Research and the DRC lauded the interior decoration of the stall for revealing Arunachal aesthetically.

It is worth mentioning that this is the ninth time in a row since 2012  the State’s Directorate of Research has been participating in the Kolkata Book Fair. This year, the fair will continue till February 9.