School children had a fun time in Guwahati Book Fair on the eve of New Year today. The two-day Children’s Festival that got underway from Saturday witnessed children of different age groups participating in various competitions at the book fair venue. From paintings to turning pages of dictionary, they were seemingly enjoying the last day of 2017.
A cultural programme titled ‘Rang Birang’ was also organized during the children’s festival.
The children took part in various competitions like painting, poetry recitation, extempore speech, quiz, reading the dictionary. The prizes were distributed to the winners during the concluding ceremony. Other esteemed guests present at the event were Gagan Chandra Adhikary, Toshoprabha Kalita, Harapriya Barukial Borgohain. It was presided over by writer Sumanta Chaliha.
Speaking at the concluding ceremony, writer Dinesh Chandra Goswami mentioned that today’s generation is preoccupied with mobile phones and computers. He emphasized the need to decrease the “screen time” and work harder to achieve success. He also highlighted the need for innovative thoughts and discoveries to pave the way forward.
Padmashree Eli Ahmed urged the young students to lead a healthy life and be a responsible person. Moreover, as reflected in her writings she urged everyone to look beyond their differences of religion, caste, colour and creed. She emphasized the need to inculcate an ‘Assamese identity’ as a way of life.
The 12-day book fair organized by the State Publication Board will conclude on January 2, 2018.