Esha-Misha Ratan's Kathak performance captivates the audience

Lucknow: "Books help us concentrate. They connect us with our history and traditions, and not everything on a mobile phone is good for us."

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak made these remarks while inaugurating the 23rd National Book Fair, which began today at Balrampur Garden on Ashok Marg and will run for 11 days. The inauguration was followed by a Kathak performance by Esha-Misha Ratan.

The fair is dedicated to the theme of 150 years of "Vande Mataram." After the inauguration, the Deputy Chief Minister walked through the fairgrounds. He urged young people to visit the fair and said that to be a good writer, one must first be a good reader. Citing the works of Ram Vilas Sharma, Nirala and Tagore, he said writers show society the way forward.

Earlier, convener Manoj Singh Chandel and director Akarsh Chandel welcomed the guests and spoke about the event's journey and achievements over 23 years.

The Ratan Sisters then opened their duet on stage with a Ram Vandana, "Shri Ram Chandra Kripalu Bhajman." This was followed by pure classical Kathak and a tarana rich in intricate detail, set to the piece "Kasak Masak" and beginning with the sher "Guncha hai gul hai sabza hai." The finale offered glimpses of a dance set to "Vande Mataram," as recently sung by renowned singer Hariharan.

Spread over roughly 75,000 square feet, the fair has more than 120 stalls run by over 50 well-known publishers and distributors. Visitors will find literature, academic titles, children's books and rare books in Hindi, English and other regional languages.

Delhi-based publishers at the fair include Prabhat Prakashan, Rajpal and Sons, Vani Prakashan, Bharatiya Jnanpith, Unbound Script, Sasta Sahitya Mandal, Samyak Prakashan, Samayik Prakashan, Velayat Publications, Green Palm, FlyDreams, EHF Learning, Rishabh Books, Nayyar Book, Bharatiya Kala Prakashan, Student Book Center, Yashika Enterprises, Aryan Book, Ritesh Book, Best Book, Padam Book, Jyoti Books, Shivangi Book International, Tridev Books, Parimal Publication, Vardhman Books and Rishi Publication.

Also present are Manjul Publishing, Setu Prakashan and Rekhta Publications from Noida; New Book and Verma Book from Ghaziabad; Lokbharti Prakashan from Prayagraj; Upkar, Pratiyogita Darpan, Sahitya Sarovar and Nikhil Publishers from Agra; Dinkar Pustakalaya from Bhagalpur; Authors Adda; Gideons International; and Link Limited and Paradise Book Company from Raipur.

Stalls have also been set up by U.P. Hindi Sansthan, U.P. Urdu Academy, Ramakrishna Math, Gyanarchi Books, Navpallav Books, Bodhras Prakashan, Arya Pratinidhi Sabha, The Intellectuals, U.P. Sahitya Sabha, Hindi Wangmay Nidhi, Satya Marg Prakashan, Gayatri Gyan Mandir, Health Care Systems and Devendra Book.

A series of literary events will begin on the stage from tomorrow. The fair is open daily from 11 am to 9 pm, with a minimum 10 per cent discount on every book.

The fair is supported by UP Metro, Radio City, Origins, Kiran Foundation, Join Hands Foundation, Lokangan, Vishwam Foundation, Vijay Studio, Golden Grass and Kavita Kisse Kahaniyan.