The book fair is being held after an interval of three years and is being organized by Milan Jyoti Sangha in association with the All Assam Book Publishers’ and Sellers’ Association.

More than 100 publishers and booksellers are expected to take part in the fair, which includes publishers not only from Assam but also from Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Kolkata and Allahabad. Bangladeshi publishers have also expressed willingness to participate in the event. The eminent litterateur and the former president of the Axom Xahitya Xabha, Mr Homen Borgohain, will inaugurate the book fair on December 16.

The Vice Chancellor of Dibrugarh University (DU), Dr Kulendu Pathak, Prof. Kabin Phukan from the Department of English, DU, Mr Prithvi Majhi, Speaker of Legislative Assembly of Assam, Mr Sarbananda Sonowal, MP from Dibrugarh and Mr S Lohia, Deputy Commissioner of Dibrugarh will be the distinguished guests in the inauguration ceremony. In the same evening, a programme, antaronga alap, with Mr Homen Borgohain will also take place.

A souvenir, Milan Jyoti, which is being edited by Prof Karabi Deka Hazarika from the Department of Assamese, DU, will be released on the occasion. Various programmes will mark the ten-day event, among which is kabitar abeli, on December 18, in which the renowned poet Hiren Bhattacharjee will be present as the chief guest. Nahendra Padun will act as the coordinator of the meet. Ajit Baruah, noted poet, will be present in kabi sandhya, a programme to be held on December 19.

(The Sentinel,19/11/05)