Date:17/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/17/stories/2006091712720400.htm

New Delhi

Books build character: Sheila

Staff Reporter

12th edition of the Delhi Book Fair begins at Pragati Maidan

BOOKS FOR COMPANY: Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit at the Delhi Book Fair 2006, which began at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on Saturday. Photo: R.V. Moorthy

NEW DELHI: Inaugurating the 12th edition of the Delhi Book Fair at Pragati Maidan here on Saturday, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit described books as the ultimate source of knowledge and wisdom.

"Books get into the psyche and build the character of the reader. Our publishing industry is producing wonderful books for children, which in a subtle way tell the little ones what is right and what is wrong and what is civilised and what is uncivilised." Noting that in today's world people were bombarded with all kinds of information, the Chief Minister said they must take time out to read books. "Books are the ultimate companion. After flipping through a plethora of newspapers and watching television, though, I find very little time to read books," she added.

Ms. Dikshit said it was the responsibility of publishers to produce good books because they play a significant role in influencing young minds and make them think and evaluate.

Congratulating Bollywood for coming out with the film adaptation of the works of Shakespeare, Ms. Dikshit said: "Even though William Shakespeare penned the outstanding plays `Macbeth' and `Othello' centuries ago, they have now been adapted into contemporary Bollywood films. That Shakespeare's thoughts and treatment of human emotions have been transcribed into films is something really wonderful."

Stressing the need for the publishing industry to play a greater role in education, the Chief Minister said the Government would provide all possible support to it in creating an environment conducive to progress.

Appreciating the role of the India Trade Promotion Organisation and the Federation of Indian Publishers in organising an annual Delhi Book Fair of international standard, Ms. Dikshit praised the Indian publishing industry for earning global recognition.

Calling upon the newspaper and publishing industries to enter into a collaboration to popularise books among the common masses, eminent poet and lyricist Javed Akhtar -- who was the guest of honour at the inaugural ceremony -- said newspapers have a vast network and can play a vital role in bringing books close to the readers. Coming up with an innovative idea, he said newspapers could take orders and deliver books to the readers through hawkers.

Mr. Akhtar appealed to the publishers to bring out books that are positive, secular, liberal and progressive in outlook as they play a significant role in shaping the minds of Generation X. "The whole world is going through a traumatic period. While bringing out books for children, the publishing industry should take care not to publish anything that has any bias or prejudice towards anyone, as it will affect the impressionable minds," he added.ITPO Chairman and Managing Director N. N. Khanna and FIP president Shakti Malik also spoke on the occasion.