Kolkata: In a significant move to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Kolkata International Book Fair (KIBF), Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee announced a Rs 10 crore grant to the Publishers and Booksellers Guild. The funds will be used to establish a unique project called Boi Tirtha, further solidifying West Bengal‘s legacy as a cultural hub. The announcement was made during the inauguration of the 49th KIBF at Boimela Prangan in Salt Lake, Kolkata.
Rs 10 Crore Fund for Boi Tirtha: A Tribute to Literature and Culture
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee confirmed that the state government would provide Rs 10 crore to the Publishers and Booksellers Guild for the creation of Boi Tirtha, a dedicated space to celebrate the literary world. This landmark initiative marks the golden jubilee of KIBF and aims to create a permanent monument to the state’s rich literary heritage. The CM instructed Santanu Basu, Principal Secretary of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department, to ensure the funds are allocated promptly.
The idea of Boi Tirtha is to create a cultural landmark that can host a variety of literary events, discussions, and exhibitions, bringing together authors, publishers, and readers from around the world. Although the exact location is yet to be revealed, it promises to be a one-of-a-kind project, enriching Kolkata’s literary culture.
A Historic Book Fair Journey: From Rabindra Sadan to Salt Lake
The announcement comes as West Bengal celebrates the 49th Kolkata International Book Fair, which is being held at its new venue, Boimela Prangan in Salt Lake. The KIBF has evolved significantly over the years, having initially been hosted at Rabindra Sadan, before moving to Maidan, Milan Mela Ground, and eventually settling in Salt Lake. This year’s event continues to build on its legacy of promoting literary culture.
In her speech, Chief Minister Banerjee acknowledged the cultural significance of the KIBF and its continued success. She also shared her vision of integrating literature and culture into broader state development projects, mentioning the establishment of temples and cultural sites like Durga Prangan in Salt Lake and Mahakal Temple in North Bengal.
Honoring Literary Excellence: Lifetime Achievement Award and New Book Launch
At the inaugural event, the Publishers and Booksellers Guild honored Swapnomoy Chakraborty, a celebrated litterateur, with the Publishers and Booksellers Award for Lifetime Achievement. The event also witnessed the launch of “Back Stage”, a book penned by television personality Sumanto Basu, which was released by Mamata Banerjee herself.
Sudhangshu Dey, the President of the Publishers and Booksellers Guild, expressed his pride in the continued grandeur of the Kolkata International Book Fair. He highlighted that while international book fairs like the Frankfurt Book Fair have seen a decline, KIBF is growing stronger and more glamorous each year, contributing significantly to Kolkata’s cultural vibrancy.
Kolkata’s Commitment to Cultural and Literary Growth
In addition to Boi Tirtha, Mamata Banerjee mentioned other significant initiatives aimed at enhancing West Bengal’s cultural and spiritual landscape, including the development of sky walks at Kalighat and Dakshineswar temples, as well as the Jagannath Temple at Digha. The creation of Boi Tirtha will further elevate the state’s commitment to fostering a literary and cultural environment for future generations.
With the announcement of the Rs 10 crore grant for Boi Tirtha, the state government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening West Bengal’s position as a cultural and literary powerhouse. This, combined with the ongoing success of the Kolkata International Book Fair, underscores the state’s dedication to promoting literature, education, and cultural exchange.
