Jamshedpur Book Fair from November 15, school students to get free entry

Jamshedpur: The eagerly anticipated Jamshedpur Book Fair is set to return to the Rabindra Bhawan premises from November 15 to November 24, marking its 38th year. Organized by the Tagore Society, this beloved annual event brings together students, book lovers, and literary enthusiasts for a ten-day celebration of books, learning, and cultural exchange.

This year’s fair will be inaugurated by Dr. Anjila Gupta, Vice-Chancellor of Jamshedpur Women’s University, as the chief guest, with  Rituraj Sinha, Managing Director of Tata Steel Utilities and Infrastructure Services Ltd., serving as the guest of honor. Featuring 70 stalls dedicated to books spanning various fields, genres, and languages, the fair promises a rich literary experience for attendees.

At a press conference,  Ashis Choudhury, General Secretary of the Tagore Society, highlighted the collaborative spirit that brings the book fair to life each year. “Though the Tagore Society organizes the fair, it’s the collective enthusiasm of the community, local corporations, and literary organizations that makes this event a success,” he said.  Choudhury also emphasized the broad participation from renowned publishers and distributors from India and beyond, with stalls representing cities like Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Patna, as well as international publishers.

Books on display will include a diverse array of languages: Hindi, English, Bengali, Urdu, Gurumukhi, and local languages such as Santhali, Ho, and Kurmali, allowing readers to explore literature in their mother tongues and expand their linguistic horizons. “In an age where digital and social media permeate daily life, books remain an irreplaceable source of authentic and complete knowledge,” said  Choudhury, stressing the unique value of books in a media-saturated world. “Books carry a glorious legacy from ancient palm leaf manuscripts to today’s printed editions. Reading has the power to enrich lives and broaden perspectives.”

The Jamshedpur Book Fair, which began on a modest scale, has grown significantly over the years, attracting thousands of visitors daily, from budding writers to avid readers. According to  Choudhury, this year’s fair will feature a range of related events, including seminars, book launches, and literary discussions. He extended a special invitation to the youth, urging them to set aside their digital devices and rediscover the habit of reading, a practice he called “truly beneficial for expanding knowledge.”

Corporate sponsors, educational institutions, and libraries were encouraged to support the fair by sponsoring the purchase of books across various subjects, fostering a stronger reading culture in Jamshedpur.

Also in attendance at the press conference were Dr. H.S. Paul, President of the Tagore Society, and committee members  Achintam Gupta,  P.S. Sen,  Sudip Basu,  Amitava Chatterjee, and  Joydeb Ghosh, all of whom expressed their enthusiasm for another successful year of the Jamshedpur Book Fair.