Surat: A grand cultural and literary celebration kicked off at the Veer Narmad South Gujarat University ground as Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda National Book Fair, Horticulture Fair-Flower Show, Shilpgram Fair, and Food Festival, organized by the Surat Municipal Corporation. Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil was also present during the ceremony. The multi-faceted fair will continue until March 1, offering a unique blend of literature, horticulture, handicrafts, and culinary experiences for the citizens of Surat.
Chief Minister Explores Literature and Visionaries Vault
Following the inauguration, CM Bhupendra Patel inspected various stalls and interacted with exhibitors. He visited the special theme pavilion “Visionaries Vault: Words That Build Nation,” featuring books authored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and literature highlighting governance and nation-building. The Chief Minister expressed keen interest in the collection.
Attendees also listened to the live broadcast of the 133rd episode of the Prime Minister’s radio program Mann Ki Baat in the seminar hall alongside the citizens.
Large-Scale Participation and Enthusiasm
The event witnessed participation from dignitaries including:
- Mayor Daksheshbhai Mavani
- MLAs Manu Patel, Sandeep Desai, Arvind Rana, Kishore Kanani, Sangita Patil
- District Collector Dr. Saurabh Pardhi
- Municipal Commissioner M. Nagarajan
- Deputy Mayor Dr. Narendra Patil
- Other city leaders, councilors, and a large crowd of book lovers
Enthusiasm among visitors was evident on the opening day, reflecting the fair’s goal to promote a culture of reading while connecting literature with art and nature.
National Book Fair Layout and Attractions
The National Book Fair spans 11 domes:
- Book Fair Domes: 5 domes housing 63 book stalls
- Food Zone Dome: 1 dome with 36 food stalls
- Sculpture Dome: 1 dome with 44 stalls
- Plantation Domes: 4 domes with 40 stalls
A central flower show covers 800 square meters, while the special theme pavilion features books by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, a Namo Reading Corner, and a section for writing letters to the PM.
Horticulture Fair and Flower Show Highlights
The horticulture section includes 40 nurseries from Gujarat and Maharashtra offering 45 varieties of flowers, plants, gardening tools, and pots.
The flower show features eight creative structures, two selfie points, and two decorative gates, designed to raise awareness about government schemes such as:
- PM Awas Yojana
- PM Jan Arogya Yojana
- PM Surya Ghar Yojana
- Jal Shakti Abhiyan
- Metro City Projects
Shilpgram Fair: Preserving Handicrafts and Handlooms
The Shilpgram Fair highlights India’s rich handicraft and handloom heritage. Visitors can explore and purchase:
- Kutchi jewelry
- Embroidery and shell crafts
- Showpieces, torans, and beadwork
The fair aims to preserve traditional arts in the age of technology and encourage appreciation of cultural craftsmanship.
Surat’s Legacy of Literature and Culture
The Surat Municipal Corporation organized its first National Book Fair in May 2000 to celebrate the city’s cultural identity alongside its industrial prominence. Due to its success, the fair has expanded over the years to include horticulture, flower exhibitions, sculpture displays, and food festivals, reflecting growing public interest in literature, art, and culture.
