Agartala: Feb 26: The 42nd Agartala Book Fair, which commenced on February 21 at the Hapania fairground, finds itself embroiled in a contentious debate over its evolving character. Traditionally celebrated for its emphasis on humanity, values, and regional culture, this year’s fair has sparked controversy due to a notable shift in its musical offerings.
In previous editions, the book fair’s open stage resonated with songs that celebrated the essence of the state and its people. However, the current repertoire features vulgar songs, including the controversial track “Mehebooba.” This departure from the fair’s established ethos has drawn sharp criticism from left-leaning student and youth organizations.
On Monday, members of DYFI, TYF, SFI, and TSU staged a protest outside the Information and Cultural Affairs Department office in Gandhighat, the capital. Their collective grievance centers around the perceived erosion of cultural values within the book fair. They assert that the inclusion of explicit songs represents a complete degradation of the fair’s cultural fabric and merits strong condemnation.
Furthermore, these organizations hold the Information and Cultural Affairs Department accountable for its alleged negligence over the years. They contend that the state government’s recurrent division of the traditional book fair has inadvertently facilitated the influx of objectionable content. The long-standing tradition associated with the Agartala Book Fair must be safeguarded, they insist, and not allowed to fade into oblivion.
In addition to cultural concerns, the student and youth leaders highlight the impact on education. The noise pollution generated during the fair, particularly during the crucial examination season, disrupts students’ studies. As a remedy, they demand an immediate cessation of the disruptive noise, emphasizing the need to strike a balance between tradition and contemporary sensibilities.
