Former Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma echoed sentiments of nostalgia and urged the community to rekindle the cherished tradition of personal libraries during a recent address in Tripura capital Agartala. Speaking at the closing ceremony of the annual book fair, Varma lamented the diminishing presence of bookshelves in households and spoke about the enduring charm of physical books.
As the esteemed chief guest at the literary event, Varma expressed his delight at the increasing enthusiasm surrounding the book fair, attributing its success to the dedication of authors and publishers. He appreciated their contributions, recognising their pivotal role in encouraging a culture of reading within the community.
Asserting the timeless value of books, Varma declared, “Books are indeed man’s best friend. It warms my heart to witness the escalating enthusiasm for the book fair among people day by day. The contributions of authors and publishers have been invaluable in organising such a remarkable event.”
Varma acknowledged the digital revolution in education, with the rise of e-books and audio books providing greater accessibility to knowledge. However, he warned against the potential loss of depth in study in the digital age. He highlighted the significance of printed books, advocating for a balance between digital and physical mediums to ensure a meaningful engagement with the material.
“While the accessibility to knowledge has expanded through electronic formats, the profound engagement with the material seems to be diminishing. This is where the enduring importance of printed books shines through,” he stated.
Reflecting on the past, Varma fondly recalled the sight of every household in Agartala adorned with bookcases. He urged the community to revive this tradition, highlighting the unique allure of personal libraries and their role in fostering a deeper connection with literature and knowledge.
